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.
"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
Reliability and validity in social research are pre-requisites. Explain the concepts and their significance.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Variables, Sampling and HypothesisScience and Scientific Method
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
'Sociology is a science which attempts Interpretivist understanding of Social action'. Explain the Interpretative understanding of Max weber.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Max WeberNon-positivist Methodologies
Discuss the methodological debate between positivism and interpretivism in sociology.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Positivism and Its CritiqueNon-positivist Methodologies
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
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
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
"Phenomenology represents the most radical departure from the 'scientific' methodology". Critically analyse.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Non-positivist MethodologiesScience and Scientific Method
What does the term “hermeneutics” signify, and in what ways is it applied within the field of sociology?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Non-positivist MethodologiesScience and Scientific Method
Compare and contrast the positivist and interpretive approaches in sociology, highlighting their methodologies and areas of strength.
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Positivism and Its CritiqueNon-positivist Methodologies
'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
"Durkheim was not the first thinker to attempt to make sociology a science." Critically examine
20 marks · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Positivism and Its CritiqueScience and Scientific Method
Scientific research method has milestones which guides the research. Critically evaluate how these milestones are applicable in sociology.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Science and Scientific MethodPositivism and Its Critique
What is a comparative method? Illustrate with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Science and Scientific MethodResearch Methods and Data Collection
Sociology under Weber, through his interpretative approach asserted its ‘uniqueness’ and ‘distinctiveness’ from the physical sciences. Examine
20 marks · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019
Max WeberNon-positivist Methodologies
Limitations of questionnaire as a technique of data collection
12.5 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2015–2017
Research Methods and Data CollectionScience and Scientific Method
Sociology has a body of concepts, methods and data which distinguishes it from Common sensical approach. Explain.
20 marks · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Sociology and Common SenseScience and Scientific Method
While quantitative research is useful for identifying relationships between variables, it is qualitative research that can illuminate why this connection exists. Discuss.
20 marks · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Research Methods and Data CollectionScience and Scientific Method
"Suicide as a 'social fact' is an illustration of, Emile Durkheim's views on 'society' and 'methodology'." Discuss
20 marks · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019–2022
Emile DurkheimScience and Scientific Method
Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words. 10 x 5 = 50 (a) "Methodological pluralism is a panacea that can solve all research problems." Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2021–2023
Science and Scientific MethodResearch Methods and Data Collection
Sociological theories provide us with a framework for explaining the social world around us. Discuss the role of theory in guiding social research.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Science and Scientific MethodVariables, Sampling and Hypothesis
Triangulation is a valuable strategy in social sciences to enhance the credibility, reliability, and comprehensiveness of research findings. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Research Methods and Data CollectionScience and Scientific Method
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
Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words. (a) Critically examine the importance of comparative method in sociological research.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2021–2023
Science and Scientific MethodResearch Methods and Data Collection
Write a short note on "comparative method in sociology".
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2016–2017
Science and Scientific MethodEmile Durkheim
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
Variables play crucial role in social research. Elaborate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Variables, Sampling and HypothesisResearch Methods and Data Collection
The closer the Hypothesis generated by a theory comes to the reality, the better is the theory. Discuss the importance of building hypothesis in this context.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Variables, Sampling and HypothesisResearch Methods and Data Collection
Discuss the significance of comparative method in the study of society.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Science and Scientific MethodResearch Methods and Data Collection