Trends and Perspectives in Social Science Research presents a comprehensive exploration of emerging concepts, methodologies, and applications shaping contemporary social science research in the fields of agriculture, veterinary sciences, rural development, fisheries, extension education, gender studies, and digital transformation. The book brings together scholarly contributions from experts across diverse disciplines, highlighting innovative approaches in psychometry, impact assessment, participatory development, ICT-enabled extension systems, artificial intelligence, open access publishing, and community-based livelihood enhancement.

The volume emphasizes the growing role of interdisciplinary and evidence-based research in addressing present-day socio-economic and developmental challenges. Special attention has been given to themes such as women empowerment, climate resilience, farmer-centric innovation systems, value chain development, rural leadership, and sustainable livelihood models. The integration of digital technologies, data-driven methodologies, and modern analytical tools in social science research is discussed extensively to provide readers with insights into future research directions and policy implications.

Designed for researchers, academicians, postgraduate students, extension professionals, policymakers, and development practitioners, this book serves as a valuable reference for understanding evolving trends and practical perspectives in social science research within the agricultural and rural development sectors.

R. Venkattakumar, Principal Scientist (Extension), Division of Social Sciences and Training, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Hesaraghatta Lake Post, Bangalore – 560 089, Karnataka, India

Chapter 1. Approaches and Applications of Psychometry in Social Science Research Arena
Chapter 2. Recent Trends in Research on Veterinary Extension
Chapter 3. Emerging Trends, Research and Policy Perspectives in PPPs
Chapter 4. Action Research for Gender Mainstreaming and Women’s Empowerment
Chapter 5. Recent Impact Assessment Tools in Social Sciences Research
Chapter 6. Measuring the Unmeasured: Towards Gender-Disaggregated Valuation of Labour in India’s Fisheries
Chapter 7. Test Construction as a Measurement and Quantification Technique in Behavioural Sciences
Chapter 8. Innovations in Coastal Extension Methods and Emerging Research Frontiers for Sustainable Fisheries Development
Chapter 9. Thematic Analysis for Social Science Research Using NVivo Software
Chapter 10. Perspectives on Open Access Publishing in Social Sciences
Chapter 11. Nurturing Rural Leadership through Grassroots-Level Institutions: A Progressive Method for Agricultural Development in Eastern India
Chapter 12. Towards Gender Responsive Agriculture: Obstacles and Pathways for Women Empowerment – A Critical Analysis
Chapter 13. Gender Issues in Livestock and Fodder Production
Chapter 14. The Changing Landscape of Technology Dissemination of Pulses
Chapter 15. ICT’s Advancement to Artificial Intelligence – Prospects and Challenges in Livestock Production
Chapter 16. Use of Digital Tools in Agricultural Marketing: A Case Study in Chikkaballapur District, Karnataka
Chapter 17. Leveraging Self-Help Groups and Producer Groups for Technology Transfer and Livelihood Transformation
Chapter 18. The Pivotal Role of KVKs in Farm Mechanization of Small Land Holdings
Chapter 19. Farm Pond Aquaculture as a Rural Livelihood Model in Sivaganga
Chapter 20. Recent Trends in Social Science Research