Sociology I · Topic
Science and Scientific Method
Whether sociology is a science; the scientific method and its critiques (Popper, Kuhn, Feyerabend).
106 UPSC Mains Sociology I questions on Science and Scientific Method 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
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
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
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
"Common sense is sociological nonsense." How far do you agree with the assertion in context of 21st century sociology?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2025
Sociology and Common SenseScience and Scientific Method
"The contestations regarding 'Positivism' has, enriched the discipline of Sociology". Analyse.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
Positivism and Its CritiqueNon-positivist Methodologies
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
Explain the significance of 'hypotheses' in formulation of sociological theories.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2017–2021
Variables, Sampling and HypothesisScience and Scientific Method
"Phenomenology represents the most radical departure from the 'scientific' quantitative methodology". Critically analyse the statement.
20 marks · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2018–2020
Non-positivist MethodologiesScience and Scientific Method
Importance of hypothesis in formulation of sociological theories
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2016–2017
Variables, Sampling and HypothesisScience and Scientific Method
Do you think phenomenology restore the primacy of human experience and meaning giving acts of human consciousness?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Non-positivist MethodologiesPositivism and Its Critique
Though Positivism became a powerful sociological method, it had its critics. Elucidate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Positivism and Its CritiqueScience and Scientific Method
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
Common sense is considered as way of mundane life, but sociology examines the mundane life. Explain.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Sociology and Common SenseEmergence of Sociology
'Though they take very different approaches to study society, both 'micro' and 'macro' sociology aid our ability to understand the social world. Comment.
20 marks · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Emergence of SociologyScience 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
Discuss the role of reliability and validity in a sociological research.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Variables, Sampling and HypothesisScience and Scientific Method
"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 difference between the positivist and interpretative approaches to the scientific method in sociology.
20 marks · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2023
Positivism and Its CritiqueScience and Scientific Method
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
Assess Max Weber's concept of "Ideal Types" as a unique and distinctive methodological approach in sociology.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024
Max WeberScience and Scientific Method
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
'A good hypothesis should be specific enough to be falsifiable'. Explain.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2023
Variables, Sampling and HypothesisScience and Scientific Method
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
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