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.
Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words. (a) Discuss Merton's four institutional imperatives of science.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Robert K. MertonScience and Scientific Method
Compare and contrast the methodology made use of by Durkheim & Weber in their scientific study of society.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
Positivism and Its CritiqueNon-positivist Methodologies
Elaborate on the use of comparative method in sociology with suitable illustrations.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Science and Scientific MethodEmile Durkheim
What are the characteristics of interpretivism? How was it critiqued?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Non-positivist MethodologiesScience and Scientific Method
Critically examine R.K Merton's views on the contributions of research to the development of sociological theory.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Robert K. MertonScience and Scientific Method
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
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
Distinguish between nomothetic and idiographic approaches in social research.
15 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
Science and Scientific MethodNon-positivist Methodologies
Can sociology be considered a value-neutral science? Illustrate with relevant examples to support your answer.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Fact, Value and ObjectivityScience 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
Elaborate limitations associated with tools of measurement in social science research.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
Research Methods and Data CollectionScience and Scientific Method
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 journey from hypothesis to theory is the essence of the scientific method in Sociology." Explain.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Science and Scientific MethodVariables, Sampling and Hypothesis
What is the utility of scientific method in sociological research? Describe with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Science and Scientific Method
"Defenders of methodological individualism generally claim that it is an innocent doctrine, devoid of any political or ideological content. Analyze (Weber)
25 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2015
Science and Scientific MethodMax Weber
Do you believe that phenomenology reestablishes the importance of human experience and meaning-giving activities of human consciousness?
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Non-positivist MethodologiesScience and Scientific Method
Globalisation: impact on nation and state Citizenship: form and visibility to invisibles Sects and cults: significance and dysfunctions G.P. Murdock: Study of family Relevance of 40-hour work week Sampling in research methodology
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Non-positivist MethodologiesScience and Scientific Method
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
'Research is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought.' Discuss.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Science and Scientific MethodFact, Value and Objectivity
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
Importance of hypothesis in formulation of sociological theories Q1)c) Objectivity as a sociological goal Q2)a) Examine relevance and significance of theories of development & dependency in present globalising society.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
Fact, Value and ObjectivityResearch Methods and Data Collection
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
Critically examine the importance of comparative method in sociological research.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Science and Scientific MethodResearch Methods and Data Collection