SOCIOLOGY AS A SCIENCE

1.1 SOCIOLOGY AS A SCIENCE

A. Objectivity, Values & Value Neutrality

1. How does Weber’s Verstehen address the objectivity-subjectivity debate in sociology? (2025)
2. Do you think ‘objectivity’ is an over-hyped idea in sociological research? Discuss the merits and demerits of non-positivist methods. (2024)
3. How does a researcher achieve objectivity in interpretative research? (2022)
4. Is Sociology a Value-free Science? Discuss. (2020)
5. What is ‘value-free sociology’? Clarify. (2016)
6. Write short answer: How is objectivity different from value neutrality? Discuss with reference to Weber’s views on methodology. (2014)
7. Write short note: Problems of objectivity in sociological research. (2009)
8. Write short note: Role of values in sociological enquiry. (2008)
9. Objectivity and Value Neutrality in Social Research. (2004)
10. Write short note: Problem of objectivity in social research. (2000)
11. Write short note: Value neutrality in social science. (1998)
12. Write short note: Value-free sociology. (1996)
13. Write short note: Significance of objectivity in sociological research. (1993)
14. Write short note: The problem of objectivity. (1991)
15. Write short note: Bearing of research on theory. (1988)
16. Write short note: The problem of objectivity in Sociology. (1986)
17. Write short note: Rapport and objectivity in social science research. (1984)

B. Positivism, Non-Positivism & Interpretative Methods

1. What is positivism? Critically analyze the major arguments against it. (2025)
2. What are the shortfalls of positivist philosophy that gave rise to the non-positivist methods of studying social reality? (2022)
3. How far are sociologists justified in using positivist approach to understand social reality? Explain with suitable illustrations. (2021)
4. Do you think ethnomethodology helps us in getting reliable and valid data? Justify your answer. (2021)
5. Phenomenological perspectives in Sociology reject many of the assumptions of positivism. Comment. (2020)
6. Is non-positivistic methodology scientific? Illustrate. (2018)
7. Does scientific method make Sociology a science? Illustrate your answer with Durkheim’s method. (2018)
8. Examine ethnomethodological and phenomenological perspectives as critique of positivism. (2017)
9. Examine the basic postulates of positivism and post-positivism. (2017)
10. Elaborate the main tenets of interpretative perspective in sociology. (2017)
11. Describe the basic postulates of scientific method. How far are these followed in sociological research? (2016)
12. “Non-positivistic methodology is essential for understanding human behaviour.” Discuss. (2015)
13. Is Sociology a Science? Give reasons for your answer. (2015)
14. In what way ‘interpretative’ method is different from ‘positivist’ approach in the study of social phenomena? (2014)
15. Critically examine positivistic approach in sociological studies. (150 words) (2013)
16. Comment on the reasons why neo-idealists and symbolic interactionists are critical of ‘positivism’ in Sociology. (2009)
17. Is it possible to study social phenomenon scientifically? Give a critical answer. (1997)
18. Write short note: Methods of science and sociology. (1995)
19. Write short note: Comparative method in Sociology. (1994)
20. Write short note: Methods of scientific investigation. (1991)

C. Scientific Method & Research Design

1. What is science? Do you think that the methods used in natural sciences can be applied to sociology? Give reasons for your answer. (2025)
2. What are the characteristics of scientific method? Do you think that scientific method in conducting sociological research is foolproof? Elaborate. (2023)
3. Methodology is a system of rules, principles and procedures, which forms scientific investigation. Comment. (2020)
4. Explain with examples, the explanatory and exploratory designs of social research. (2018)
5. Write short note on: Fact, Value and Objectivity. (2012)
6. Write short note on: Interpretative Sociology. (2012)
7. Write short note on Fact and Value, keeping sociological perspective in view. (2011)
8. Write short note: Serendipity. (2010)
9. Write short note: Social research design. (2005)
10. Write short note: Theory and Fact. (2002)
11. Write short note: Design of sociological research. (1992)
12. Write short note: Sociology as a science of society. (1985)
13. Write short note: Research Design. (1985)

D. Contemporary Issues & Applied Dimensions

1. Examine the relevance of corporate social responsibility in a world marked by increasing environmental crises. (2023)
2. Highlight the problem of objectivity and value-neutrality in Social Research. Elaborate, with suitable examples, the limitations associated with the tools of measurement in Social Science Research. (2003)
3. Discuss the nature and character of voluntary associations. What is their importance in developing societies? (1990)