Sociology I · Topic
Positivism and Its Critique
Comte's and Durkheim's positivism and the critiques of it.
55 UPSC Mains Sociology I questions on Positivism and Its Critique that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2014–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
How much is it right for sociologists to use the positivist approach to understand society? Explain with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Positivism and Its CritiqueScience and Scientific Method
Positivist and Interpretivist schools in sociology. (b) Feminist perspective on Kinship and Marriage. (c) Risk society and its influence on contemporary society.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Positivism and Its CritiqueNon-positivist Methodologies
Examine how and why the study of social order and stability has been an integral part of sociology.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Emergence of SociologyPositivism and Its Critique
Discuss whether the scientific method qualifies Sociology as a science, using Durkheim's method as an example.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Science and Scientific MethodPositivism and Its Critique
Impact of Industrialization on kinship relations (b) Case studies and life histories (d) Importance of hypothesis in formulation of sociological theories (e) objectivity as a sociological goal 5(c) Write a short note on "comparative method in sociology".
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
Science and Scientific MethodPositivism and Its Critique
Despite the differences in their approach, positivist and interpretative approach have enriched the sociology as a discipline. Explain.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Positivism and Its CritiqueNon-positivist Methodologies
While the positivist school of sociology advocated for use of quantitative methodologies to attain objectivity in research, the latter schools focussing on microsociology emphasised on qualitative methodology. c) In the words of Radhakrishna, 'education is the main agent of social change' that is even powerful than traditional institutions, but education's role in actually yielding changes is equally debated in sociological milieu.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Science and Scientific MethodPositivism and Its Critique
According to non-positivists, what are the limitations of applying scientific methods in sociology?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Non-positivist MethodologiesScience and Scientific Method
What is a scientific method? Can a scientific method be truly objective?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Science and Scientific MethodFact, Value and Objectivity
Differentiate between objectivity and value neutrality in sociological research.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Fact, Value and ObjectivityPositivism and Its Critique
Examine the basic postulates of positivism and post-positivism.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Positivism and Its CritiqueScience and Scientific Method
The goal of value neutrality is highly desirable but equally difficult to be achieved in the study of social phenomena. Evaluate.
25 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2014
Fact, Value and ObjectivityPositivism and Its Critique
Elaborate the Main Tenets of Positivism in Sociology with its Critique.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Positivism and Its CritiqueScience and Scientific Method
What is the difference between fact and value? Comment on their significance in sociology?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Fact, Value and ObjectivityPositivism and Its Critique
What are the key differences between nomothetic and idiographic approaches in sociology, and how do they complement each other in social research?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Non-positivist MethodologiesScience and Scientific Method
Emile Durkheim's conception of 'Social Fact' was essentially an endeavor by him to create a separate niche and scientific status for Sociology.
25 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2014
Emile DurkheimPositivism and Its Critique
To what extent do phenomenological perspectives in sociology challenge and reject the assumptions of positivism? Provide a comprehensive commentary with supporting arguments and examples.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Non-positivist MethodologiesPositivism and Its Critique
Positivists and Anti-Positivists often apply several specific methods but both influence and complement them in significant way.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Positivism and Its CritiqueNon-positivist Methodologies
What are the salient features of positivism? How was positivism critiqued?
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Positivism and Its CritiqueScience and Scientific Method
Comment on why neo-idealists and symbolic interactionists are critical of positivism in sociology (b) Education as a medium of cultural reproduction
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Positivism and Its CritiqueNon-positivist Methodologies
Absolute Objectivity is an idea which is regarded as obsolete in sociological research. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Fact, Value and ObjectivityPositivism and Its Critique
Critically evaluate the contribution of Positivism as an important philosophy and research methodology in sociological understanding of 'social reality'.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2014
Positivism and Its CritiqueScience and Scientific Method
Micro sociological understanding of self & society ought to be different from Macro sociological understanding of social-systems. How?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Science and Scientific MethodNon-positivist Methodologies
Sociology emerged as distinct discipline in the late 19th century.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Emergence of SociologyPositivism and Its Critique
Comparative Method in sociology: Importance and limitations. 1(b) Positivism and its contestations: How these enriched sociology?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Positivism and Its CritiqueScience and Scientific Method