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This article of reflection problematizes the relationships between phenomenology and hermeneutics as epistemic places of research work through a documentary approach built in two phases. First, the text reflects on the terminological use present in the paradigms, approaches, epistemological perspectives, and research methods, thereby identifying that there is no criteria univocity in its references and approaches about research methodology treaties. Likewise, it is evident that there are methodological proposals that include phenomenology and hermeneutics in a complementary, articulated, or isolated way without allowing precise places of understanding that allow to locate their application in research. Based on the aforementioned, the second phase proposes an individual approach to the background and comprehensions of phenomenology and hermeneutics, identifying particularities that characterize them, possible theoretical-practical differences and approaches that can be established in view of their relevance from the epistemic and methodological framework of research in human and social sciences.
This article is a translation from the Spanish version "La hermenéutica y la fenomenología en la investigación en ciencias humanas y sociales", published in Civilizar, 19(37), 2019. doi: 10.22518/usergioa/jour/ccsh/2019.2/a09. The translation has been authorized and approved by the authors and the Editor.

Abstract

The role theory plays in research work cannot be over-emphasized. A theory that is apt gives direction to research work in explaining, organizing, analyzing, and predicting phenomenon and showing their relationships in order to enhance understanding. Despite these roles played by theory, upcoming scholars and students many at times fail to use theory that is apt in their research work, while some skip to adopt any theory in their research, even when it is necessary to adopt one. Thus, leading to disjointed and poor research work. Lack of good theory and/or lack of its correct application instantly de-links the relationship and blurs the understanding of research questions, variables, and hypotheses, which theory integrates to give a coherent and holistic view of phenomenon, and answering the question of "why" the phenomenon is the "way" it is. Explanatory and qualitative research approaches were employed. Secondary data were collected from books, journal articles; internet materials, etc. were used in analyzing the roles theory plays in research work. The findings are (1) that the purpose of theory is to explain, describe, analyze, and predict phenomenon to aid understanding (2) a good theory that is apt and well applied gives clarity and logicality to the problem understudy (3) theory in research is like a bridge that links concepts, variables, and hypotheses. The paper recommends among other things that scholars/teachers should devote more chapters or contribute more papers in journal specifically on theory.

The first volume presents a collection of exciting papers exploring several new areas of disability research. The contributions include: examination of the media representation of disability and coverage of disability policy issues which gives an understanding of the far reaching impact of the fourth estate; an historical analysis of the correspondence between the identifier of Down syndrome and Darwin that lends insights into the development of interpretations of mental retardation particularly Down syndrome as a throwback to the more primitive nature of man; analysis of hospital discharge data which demonstrates that persons with chronic conditions and impairments are more likely than those without to need hospitalization for injuries resulting from violence; and an overview of voting behavior among persons with disabilities. Subsequent volumes will focus on specific subjects related to disability issues.

This article explores research that, by definition or in practice, is conducted by the social science community at the international level. International research contrasts with most social science research, which is conducted within state boundaries by scholars who work on projects individually or in small groups. A survey of key research quality gatekeepers reveals a diverse range of international research activities in the UK, across all the disciplines, as well as extensive collaborative links with scholars around the world. Evidence of the characteristics present in research that transcends national and local limitations is presented, and revealing judgements about the comparative quality of international research in the social sciences emerge. This evidence also puts into perspective the common view that the USA is the world leader in social science research. Furthermore, it shows that international social science is currently limited, but has the potential to host massive projects.