Survey research in practical theology and congregational studies

Empirical research is understood as the search for knowledge-based empirical data. The best-known data-based research strategy is survey research. In practical theology, survey research is probably one of the most used research strategies. In the exploration of congregational life, a broader (quant...

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Main Authors: C. Hermans, W. J. Schoeman
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: University of the Free State 2015-12-01
Series:Acta Theologica
Online Access:https://journals.ufs.ac.za/index.php/at/article/view/2726
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author C. Hermans
W. J. Schoeman
author_facet C. Hermans
W. J. Schoeman
author_sort C. Hermans
collection DOAJ
description Empirical research is understood as the search for knowledge-based empirical data. The best-known data-based research strategy is survey research. In practical theology, survey research is probably one of the most used research strategies. In the exploration of congregational life, a broader (quantitative) lens is required in order to investigate congregations. The aim is to explore the use of survey research in practical theology and congregational studies. First, we shall describe survey research as a methodology, in order to explain its relevance as an empirical method for doing practical theology. Secondly, we shall explain the relevance of survey research for congregational life. Surveys make a valuable contribution to congregational studies, as they provide a quantitative perspective on congregational life and its context. National and local demographics are an important part of the positioning and ecology of a congregation. Thirdly, we shall evaluate the relevance and contribution of the survey research methodology for congregational studies.
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spelling doaj-art-0926f2c9247f4b22a599d3eb6586b2162025-02-11T09:54:02ZengUniversity of the Free StateActa Theologica1015-87582309-90892015-12-012210.38140/at.v0i22.2726Survey research in practical theology and congregational studiesC. Hermans0W. J. Schoeman1University of the Free State, South AfricaUniversity of the Free State, South Africa Empirical research is understood as the search for knowledge-based empirical data. The best-known data-based research strategy is survey research. In practical theology, survey research is probably one of the most used research strategies. In the exploration of congregational life, a broader (quantitative) lens is required in order to investigate congregations. The aim is to explore the use of survey research in practical theology and congregational studies. First, we shall describe survey research as a methodology, in order to explain its relevance as an empirical method for doing practical theology. Secondly, we shall explain the relevance of survey research for congregational life. Surveys make a valuable contribution to congregational studies, as they provide a quantitative perspective on congregational life and its context. National and local demographics are an important part of the positioning and ecology of a congregation. Thirdly, we shall evaluate the relevance and contribution of the survey research methodology for congregational studies. https://journals.ufs.ac.za/index.php/at/article/view/2726
spellingShingle C. Hermans
W. J. Schoeman
Survey research in practical theology and congregational studies
Acta Theologica
title Survey research in practical theology and congregational studies
title_full Survey research in practical theology and congregational studies
title_fullStr Survey research in practical theology and congregational studies
title_full_unstemmed Survey research in practical theology and congregational studies
title_short Survey research in practical theology and congregational studies
title_sort survey research in practical theology and congregational studies
url https://journals.ufs.ac.za/index.php/at/article/view/2726
work_keys_str_mv AT chermans surveyresearchinpracticaltheologyandcongregationalstudies
AT wjschoeman surveyresearchinpracticaltheologyandcongregationalstudies