AIR 149 · CSE 2020 · Sociology I · 50 pages

Adarsh Kant Shukla: Sociology I answer copy

19 answers by Adarsh Kant Shukla, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1(a)"Methodological pluralism is a panacea that can solve all research problems." Discuss10 marks
  2. Q1(b)Sociology and common sense converge at some points, but diverge more often. Evaluate the statement.10 marks
  3. Q1(c)Discuss the role of questionnaire as a tool of data collection in sociological research.10 marks
  4. Q1(d)Explain the institutional ethnography approach with examples.10 marks
  5. Q1(e)Examine the utility of reliability and validity in social research by giving suitable examples.10 marks
  6. Q3(a)Sociology and political science are so closely related to each other that one becomes meaningless without other. Analyse.20 marks
  7. Q3(b)Explain the difference between the positivist and interpretative approaches to the scientific method in sociology.20 marks
  8. Q3(c)"Participant observation has many practical disadvantages." Substantiate with examples.10 marks
  9. Q4(a)'Total objectivity in sociological research is an illusion that can never be achieved.' Comment.20 marks
  10. Q4(b)'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
  11. Q4(c)Highlight the various 'Social Pathologies' within Marriage in contemporary times.10 marks
  12. Q5(a)Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words. (a) Discuss the linkage between industrialization and changes in family structure.10 marks
  13. Q5(b)Examine the functions and dysfunctions of 'informal sector' in India.10 marks
  14. Q5(c)Self-Help Group (SHG) as an informal organization from a sociological perspective.10 marks
  15. Q5(d)Critically examine 'cultural lag' theory of social change.10 marks
  16. Q5(e)'Feminization of work has not led to gender equality'. Do you agree? Comment.10 marks
  17. Q6(a)Critically analyze the impact of information technology on the social organization of work in the contemporary society.20 marks
  18. Q6(b)'A rigid bureaucracy is not always the most efficient way to attain organizational goals'. Comment.20 marks
  19. Q6(c)Critically examine 'conflict theory' of social change.10 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 159 words written

"Methodological pluralism is a panacea that can solve all research problems." Discuss

Opening · a definition

Methodological pluralism is a method advocated by likes of Ray Pawson accordingly to whom "usage of multiple methods in cross sectional approach of Qualitative and Quantitative methods simultaneously can solve problems in sociological research by increasing objectivity".

Example → Putting the responses and conclusion of a Participant Observation research to a close ended survey.

Body · points and prose

Advantages

  1. Allows cross checking of results obtained from one method.
  2. Promotes reliability and validity in methods.
  3. Enables a holistic vision where macro view provides extensive coverage and micro view provides depth.
  4. Reduces impact of social desirability bias, investigator bias, Hawthorne effect etc.
  5. Reorients and improves existing hypotheses.
  6. Enhances reproducibility, transferability and confirmability of research.

Limitations :-

  1. Sampling and non sampling errors can be hindrance.
  2. Not possible when target population is too wide.
  3. Cost and time consuming.
  4. Require precise planning and expertise, hence prone to errors.

Close · a summary

Thus, methodological pluralism is an effective remedy but not panacea.