CBSE 11 Introducing Sociology | 5. DOING SOCIOLOGY: RESEARCH METHODS by Pavan | Learn Smarter
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5. DOING SOCIOLOGY: RESEARCH METHODS

The chapter discusses the methodological foundations of sociology, focusing on how sociologists gather knowledge and the significance of both qualitative and quantitative methods. It emphasizes the tension between objectivity and subjectivity in social sciences, the importance of reflexivity, and the different approaches like participant observation, surveys, and interviews in sociological research.

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Sections

  • 5

    Doing Sociology: Research Methods

    This section explores the research methods used in sociology, emphasizing the importance of methodology, objectivity, and participant observation.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.1

    Introduction

    This section introduces the discipline of sociology, exploring its identity as a social science and emphasizing the importance of methodology in sociological research.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2

    Some Methodological Issues

    This section explores the methodological challenges in sociology, particularly the concepts of objectivity and subjectivity within the context of social research methods.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2.1

    Objectivity And Subjectivity In Sociology

    This section explores the concepts of objectivity and subjectivity in sociology, emphasizing the challenges faced by sociologists in obtaining unbiased knowledge due to their personal biases and social contexts.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2.2

    Multiple Methods And Choice Of Methods

    This section discusses the variety of research methods used in sociology, emphasizing that different methods suit different research questions and contexts.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.2.3

    Participant Observation

    This section covers participant observation as a primary research method in sociology and social anthropology, emphasizing its immersive nature and significance in understanding cultural contexts.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.3

    Field Work In Social Anthropology

    This section explores the significance of fieldwork in social anthropology, detailing historical contexts, methods, and challenges involved in gathering empirical data from communities.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.4

    Field Work In Sociology

    This section discusses the importance, methods, and challenges of conducting fieldwork in sociology, emphasizing how it differs from other research methods.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.4.1

    Field Work In Sociology – Some Difficulties

    This section explores the complexities and challenges faced by sociologists conducting fieldwork, particularly the issues surrounding objectivity, methodology, and participant observation.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.4.2

    Different Styles Of Doing Village Studies

    This section discusses various methods utilized in sociological research, particularly focusing on village studies as a critical component of Indian sociology.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.4.3

    Some Limitations Of Participant Observation

    Participant observation provides rich insights but has significant limitations, including narrow focus and potential bias from the researcher.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.4.4

    Surveys

    Surveys are a key sociological research method that provides a comprehensive overview of a subject based on data from a representative sample of respondents.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.4.5

    Interview

    This section outlines the significance of interviews in sociological research, emphasizing their methodological flexibility and depth in data collection.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.5

    Glossary

    This glossary section provides definitions of key terms related to sociology and research methods, essential for understanding sociological concepts.

    Learning Practice

  • 5.6

    Exercises

    This section addresses the importance of scientific methods in sociology and poses key exercises related to objectivity, methodology, fieldwork, and various research methods.

    Learning Practice

References

NCERT Study Material

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • Sociology's distinction lie...
  • Objectivity in sociology is...
  • Multiple methods can be emp...

Final Test

Revision Tests