Sociology I · 10 marks · 150 words

Write short answers to the following questions in about 150 words each, with a sociological perspective: (10 x 5 = 50) (a) What are variables? Illustrate some variables which Merton used in his analysis of deviance.

Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025

Variables, Sampling and HypothesisRobert K. Merton

Syllabus: Research Methods and Analysis: (a) Qualitative and quantitative methods. (b) Techniques of data collection. (c) Variables, sampling, hypothesis, reliability and validity.

How toppers approached it

From all 4 answers · about 180 words · 25% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • A definition4 of 4

Body

  • Points and prose2 of 4
  • Points2 of 4

Close

  • A summary3 of 4
  • No separate close1 of 4

The toppers’ answers

Agnes Meritta SteffyAIR 507 · CSE 2025 · 110 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

Variables are parameters defined in a research method, the study of which helps to determine the outcome of research.

Body · points

Dependent variables

Values change with respect to other variables eg., suicide rate in Durkheim's theory

Independent variables

Values do not impact the other outcomes but influence dependent variable eg., marital status in Durkheim's theory.

Other types include discrete variables, continuous variables.

Variables used by Merton in deviance

Deviance refers to non-conformity to expected standards.

  1. Culturally defined goals - success in exams, employment

  2. Structurally available means - equality or inequality of opportunity

Close

Merton studied how means and goals vary with respect to conformity and deviance as variables.

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