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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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
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University of the Free State
2015-12-01
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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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format | Article |
id | doaj-art-0926f2c9247f4b22a599d3eb6586b216 |
institution | Kabale University |
issn | 1015-8758 2309-9089 |
language | English |
publishDate | 2015-12-01 |
publisher | University of the Free State |
record_format | Article |
series | Acta Theologica |
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 |