On Monday, September 9, 2024, the Department of International Relations, Hasanuddin University held a public lecture with the theme “Navigating complexity in a Globalize World with Social Science Methodology” which took place in the Senate Room on the 2nd floor of the Hasanuddin University Rectorate as part of a series of Adjunct Professor activities by Senior Lecturer Social Research Methodology from the Faculty of Social and Behavioral Science, University of Amsterdam, Dr. G. A. (Gerben) Moerman at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences level which will then be guided by Nurjannah Abdullah, S.IP., M.A who is a lecturer at the Department of International Relations, Hasanuddin University as a moderator. Gerben began the public lecture by expressing gratitude for the opportunity given by the Department of International Relations to be a resource person in the public lecture. Then, the discussion began with an explanation by introducing the concept of Navigating in the context of methodology as a tool used by researchers to navigate the research process. In addition to using the analogy of navigation, Gerben also explained in depth the use of research methodology which according to him cannot be viewed as just a recipe that must be followed rigidly, but as a dynamic and flexible process. He argued that methodology is a keyword in the process of developing science, and it is very important for a researcher to understand, especially the steps needed in conducting a study.
At the end of the discussion, three main approaches in research, namely quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods, were explained as the main instruments in understanding social phenomena. The quantitative approach provides objectivity through big data and statistical measurements, while the qualitative approach allows researchers to explore the socio-cultural context through interviews and observations. Meanwhile, mixed methods allow a combination of both approaches to gain a more comprehensive understanding. Overall, this public lecture provides important insights into the complexity of methodology in social research and the importance of flexibility, creativity, and collaboration in achieving the desired research results. And in research in the field of social sciences, it is very important for researchers not to be fixated on just one method because in complex research, a variety of approaches are needed to understand the dynamics that occur.
