Sociology I · Topic
Fact, Value and Objectivity
Value neutrality, Weber's value-freedom, Myrdal, and whether objectivity is possible in social research.
53 UPSC Mains Sociology I questions on Fact, Value and Objectivity that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2014–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
Examine the significance of non-positivist paradigm in social science research.
20 marks · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2025
Non-positivist MethodologiesScience and Scientific Method
Compare and contrast the methodology made use of by Emile Durkheim and Max Weber, in their, scientific study of society.
25 marks · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2016–2017
Positivism and Its CritiqueScience and Scientific Method
Critically examine the features of 'critical social research'.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2017–2024
Non-positivist MethodologiesScience and Scientific Method
Critically examine the "Nature and scope of feminist method" in social science research.
15 marks · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2016–2017
Non-positivist MethodologiesFact, Value and Objectivity
Qualitative research methods are concerned with opinions, feelings and experiences. Comment on their reliability and validity.
20 marks · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2025
Research Methods and Data CollectionVariables, Sampling and Hypothesis
"It is the ideal type which is explained through the verstehen approach." Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2023
Max WeberNon-positivist Methodologies
"Sociology could and should be value free". Critically examine the statement with respect to various sociological perspectives.
20 marks · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
Fact, Value and ObjectivityPositivism and Its Critique
Many of the founders of sociology believed that sociology could and should be value-free. Critically evaluate their beliefs.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Fact, Value and ObjectivityPositivism and Its Critique
Critically analyze the contribution of Sociology as a "scientific study of society" to the rational understanding of the social world around us.
25 marks · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2016–2017
Science and Scientific MethodPositivism and Its Critique
Quantitative and Qualitative research can neither produce totally valid and completely reliable data, but both can provide useful insights into social life. In this context, provide the significance of 'methodological pluralism' in social research.
20 marks · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Research Methods and Data CollectionScience and Scientific Method
Methodology encompasses a system of rules, principles, and procedures that form the basis of scientific investigation. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Science and Scientific MethodPositivism and Its Critique
"Methodological pluralism is a panacea that can solve all research problems." Discuss
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2016–2020
Science and Scientific MethodResearch Methods and Data Collection
"Sociological imagination links personal troubles with public issues." Elucidate with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Sociology and Common SenseEmergence of Sociology
Discuss the concepts of fact, value, and objectivity in sociological research. Can sociology ever be entirely value-free?
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Fact, Value and ObjectivityPositivism and Its Critique
Weber was neither very sophisticated nor very consistent in his methodological pronouncements". Discuss the statement in the context of Weber's concept of "verstehen".
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024
Max WeberNon-positivist Methodologies
Explain Weber's concept of “Verstehen”. How does it enrich sociological inquiry?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Max WeberNon-positivist Methodologies
Durkheim's idea of social facts both established sociology as an independent field of study and provided one of the most convincing arguments for studying society as it is before we decide what it should be". Discuss.
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024
Emile DurkheimPositivism and Its Critique
“Sociology can be termed a science because it fulfills the basic requirements of objective and rational knowledge of social reality”. Critically examine
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017–2020
Science and Scientific MethodPositivism and Its Critique
"Scientific temper and rational thinking are essential prerequisites for sociological inquiry." Comment on this statement with reference to the debate on value-neutrality in social research.
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Fact, Value and ObjectivityScience and Scientific Method
"Scientific method can be effectively applied to study social phenomena." Do you agree?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Positivism and Its CritiqueScience and Scientific Method
Discuss the relevance of feminist methodology in sociological research.
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2018–2022
Non-positivist MethodologiesResearch Methods and Data Collection
Discuss the utility of Max Weber's ideal type as a methodological tool
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017
Max WeberScience and Scientific Method
Values are as important as facts in sociological research. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Fact, Value and ObjectivityPositivism and Its Critique
Elaborate the limitations associated with the tools of measurement in Social Science Research.
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2016–2017
Research Methods and Data CollectionVariables, Sampling and Hypothesis
'Total objectivity in sociological research is an illusion that can never be achieved.' Comment.
20 marks · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2020–2021
Fact, Value and ObjectivityScience and Scientific Method
Critically discuss the role played by Positivist methodology to attain Value neutrality in sociological research.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Positivism and Its CritiqueFact, Value and Objectivity
What constitutes critical social research, and what are the primary distinguishing features that define this approach to studying social phenomena?
20 marks · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Non-positivist MethodologiesFact, Value and Objectivity
What is Interpretative Sociology? How far has it influenced the scope of the discipline?
20 marks · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Non-positivist MethodologiesScience and Scientific Method
Critical social science embraces all those approaches in sociology that aim to be critical of society in order to facilitate social change. In this context, discuss the main features of critical social science.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Non-positivist MethodologiesScience and Scientific Method
Explain Alvin Gouldner's reflexive sociology as a critique of positivism.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Positivism and Its CritiqueFact, Value and Objectivity