Sociology I · 10 marks · 150 words

Reliability and validity in social research are pre-requisites. Explain the concepts and their significance.

Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025

Variables, Sampling and HypothesisScience and Scientific Method

Syllabus: Research Methods and Analysis: (a) Qualitative and quantitative methods. (b) Techniques of data collection. (c) Variables, sampling, hypothesis, reliability and validity.

How toppers approached it

From all 3 answers · about 140 words · 100% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • A definition2 of 3
  • No separate opening1 of 3

Body

  • Points and prose2 of 3
  • Points1 of 3

Close

  • No separate close2 of 3
  • A summary1 of 3

The toppers’ answers

Nelaturu Sreekanth ReddyAIR 151 · CSE 2024 · 121 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

Reliability and validity will strengthen the Sociological theories as they promote objectivity and accuracy.

Body · points and prose

Reliability and Validity.

→ Validity refers to truth value of a particular finding whereas Reliability is all about consistency in the research output.

Types

Diagram
[Validity] -- [Measurement validity, Internal validity, External validity, Ecological validity] [Reliability] -- [Time Reliability, Comparitive Reliability]
Diagram
[ (target1) ] Valid ✓, Reliable ✓ [ (target2) ] Valid X, Reliable ✓ [ (target3) ] Valid X, Reliable X

Significance of Reliability and Validity

→ They promote Objectivity in the sociological research. → Reduces respondent bias and the researcher bias.

→ Strengthens sociological theories with scientific backing. → Can help in formulating grand theories by generalising.

Thinkers perspective

→ Positivist thinkers such as Emile Durkheim, Alan Bryman, August Comte promoted validity and reliability in sociology. → Interpretative school of sociology criticised this approach.

Close

Despite criticism the concepts of Validity and Reliability will help in making sociology value free.

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