Sociology I · Topic
Research Methods and Data Collection
Qualitative and quantitative methods and techniques of data collection: survey, interview, questionnaire, observation, case study.
97 UPSC Mains Sociology I questions on Research Methods and Data Collection that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2014–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
Critically assess R. K. Merton's views on the contributions of research to the development of sociological theory.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2017–2024
Robert K. MertonScience and Scientific Method
"Methodological pluralism is an increasingly common feature of social research." In the context of this statement, discuss the ways in which multi-strategy research can be used.
20 marks · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2023
Research Methods and Data CollectionScience and Scientific Method
Explain the nature and scope of quantitative methods of data collection in sociological research.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2018–2022
Research Methods and Data CollectionScience and Scientific Method
Discuss the importance of 'Pilot Studies' in sociological research.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2019–2024
Research Methods and Data CollectionVariables, Sampling and Hypothesis
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
Discuss the role of questionnaire as a tool of data collection in sociological research.
15 marks · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2014–2023
Research Methods and Data Collection
How do you view and assess the use of case studies and biographies in sociological research?
20 marks · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2025
Research Methods and Data CollectionNon-positivist Methodologies
"Participant observation has many practical disadvantages." Substantiate with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2023
Research Methods and Data Collection
Techniques of data collection play crucial role in social research. Describe case studies as a technique of data collection in social research.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Research Methods and Data Collection
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
Explain the historical analysis as a research method in sociology.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Science and Scientific MethodResearch Methods and Data Collection
Surveys have become part and parcel of modern life, constituting almost an industry. In this context, critically evaluate the usefulness of survey as a research method.
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024
Research Methods and Data CollectionScience and Scientific Method
What is sampling? Which sampling technique would be suitable to study voting behaviour of people? Explain.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Variables, Sampling and HypothesisResearch Methods and Data Collection
"Researchers argue that 'interviews', produce masses of information, which may neither be valid nor reliable". In the context of this statement, discuss advantages and disadvantages of Interview as a tool of data collection.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
Research Methods and Data CollectionVariables, Sampling and Hypothesis
How viable is interview method in present era of social distancing and virtual world? Can we eliminate it altogether, given the importance of the method in social science research?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Research Methods and Data Collection
Describe the understanding and broad contours of sampling. How sampling enhances the scientific validity of social research efforts.
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2023
Variables, Sampling and HypothesisResearch Methods and Data Collection
Sampling is a convenient tool to gather information about a population, but it can be grossly misleading as well. State out the limitation of sampling in sociological analysis.
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2023
Variables, Sampling and HypothesisResearch Methods and Data Collection
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
Examine the strengths and limitations of ethnography as a research method in sociology.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Research Methods and Data CollectionNon-positivist Methodologies
Explain the concept of triangulation in research. How does it enhance the validity and reliability of sociological studies?
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Research Methods and Data CollectionVariables, Sampling and Hypothesis
How do mixed-method designs strengthen the validity and reliability of sociological research?
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Research Methods and Data CollectionVariables, Sampling and Hypothesis
Ageing is a demographic reality for many countries including India." Which method of data collection is suitable for understanding the situation of elderly population. Critically examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2018–2024
Research Methods and Data Collection
Sampling is a convenient tool to gather information about a population, but it can be grossly misleading as well. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023
Variables, Sampling and HypothesisResearch Methods and Data Collection
Many of the debates about the merits of particular research methods focus on questions of reliability and validity. In the context of this statement, explain the relationship between reliability and validity.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2016–2017
Variables, Sampling and HypothesisResearch Methods and Data Collection
Discuss the importance of building a hypothesis before sociological research.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Variables, Sampling and HypothesisScience and Scientific Method
Case studies may be useful for generating new hypothesis which can then be tested against other data. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Research Methods and Data CollectionVariables, Sampling and Hypothesis
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