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NCERT Class 11 Sociology Chapter 5 Doing Sociology: Research Methods
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Doing Sociology: Research Methods
Chapter: 5
| PART – (I) INTRODUCING SOCIOLOGY |
| EXERCISES |
1. Why is the question of a scientific method particularly important in sociology?
Ans: The question of scientific method is important because it helps sociologists to acquire knowledge. Avoiding biases and subjective interpretations. Sociology seeks to understand complex social behaviors, structures, and relationships, which require reliable methodologies for accurate analysis. By employing scientific methods such as observation, experimentation, and statistical analysis, sociologists can develop theories that are evidence-based and universally applicable. Sociologists deal with different societies whose culture may be similar or different. They have to conduct research and field work in which they need to take opinions and feelings of people or respondents in that area. By employing scientific methods such as observation, experimentation, and statistical analysis, sociologists can develop theories that are evidence-based and universally applicable. This approach enhances the discipline’s credibility, enabling it to address social issues effectively. Moreover, it distinguishes sociology as a scientific field, fostering a deeper understanding of societal dynamics and contributing to informed policymaking.
2. What are some of the reasons for ‘objectivity’ being more complicated in social sciences, particularly disciplines like sociology?
Ans: Objectivity is more complex in sociology due to the subjectivity inherent in studying human behavior and social structures. Sociologists often deal with abstract concepts like culture, identity, and power, which are influenced by personal values, biases, and societal norms. Sociologist tries to do the research without any bias. They analyze their research through other points of view and without involving their own feelings. This strategy is called self-reflexivity. The professional and important way is to keep documentation of everything. Additionally, researchers are part of the society they study, making complete detachment challenging. The diverse perspectives, cultural contexts, and ever-changing nature of social phenomena further complicate achieving universal conclusions. Ethical considerations, such as respecting participant autonomy and addressing sensitive topics, also limit experimental control. Human beings do not react in a predictable manner. Humans from the same social class, ethnic group, gender or age, will react differently based upon their understanding of events and therefore it is impossible to study humans objectively or by using scientific methods.
3. How do sociologists try to deal with difficulties in “objectivity” and strive for objectivity?
Ans: Sociologists address challenges to objectivity by adopting rigorous methodologies and reflexivity. They use standardized research methods, such as surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis, to minimize biases. With its systematic approach, the scientific method has proven useful in shaping sociological studies. The scientific method provides a systematic, organized series of steps that help ensure objectivity and consistency in exploring a social problem. Objectivity is the state of mind in which the social scientist remains objective, just, unbiased and is not influenced by emotions, personal prejudices, or preferences. It restrains the social scientist from contaminating or manipulating the collection and analysis of data. They provide the means for accuracy, reliability, and validity. Triangulation, or combining multiple methods, ensures more reliable findings. Sociologists maintain transparency in data collection and analysis, allowing replication and validation of results. Reflexivity, where researchers critically examine their own biases and positionality, helps mitigate personal influences. Peer reviews and collaborative studies further ensure impartiality. They work outside of their own political or social agendas. This doesn’t mean researchers do not have their own personalities, complete with preferences and opinions. But sociologists deliberately use the scientific method to maintain as much objectivity, focus, and consistency as possible in a particular study. Ethical guidelines, such as respecting participant perspectives and cultural contexts, balance objectivity with empathy. These practices enable sociologists to approach their studies with scientific rigor and fairness.
4. What is meant by ‘reflexivity’ and why is it important in sociology?
Ans: Reflexivity in sociology refers to the process by which researchers critically examine their own biases, values, and positionality and how these might influence their research. This stance on reflexivity enables social work practitioners to be sensitive to the impact of power on themselves and service users. It also helps them reflect on how various personal and social spheres have shaped meaning and biography. It emphasizes the awareness of the interplay between the researcher and the subject of study, acknowledging that sociologists are part of the social world they analyze. Reflexivity is vital because it promotes transparency, helps minimize biases, and ensures ethical and culturally sensitive research. investors don’t base their decisions on reality, but rather on their perceptions of reality instead. The actions that result from these perceptions have an impact on reality, or fundamentals, which then affects investors’ perceptions and thus prices. It emphasizes that pay itself has no inherent significance, but it gains meaning as it conveys information about an individual’s self-identity. It enhances the credibility and validity of findings by encouraging sociologists to remain self-aware and accountable, fostering a deeper and more nuanced understanding of social phenomena. It emphasizes that pay itself has no inherent significance, but it gains meaning as it conveys information about an individual’s self-identity.
5. What are some of the things that ethnographers and sociologists do during participant observation?
Ans: During participant observation, ethnographers and sociologists immerse themselves in a community or social setting to understand behaviors, practices, and interactions. They observe daily activities, rituals, and communication patterns, often participating in them to gain an insider perspective. Researchers take detailed field notes, record conversations, and collect contextual data to analyze later.
Ethnography is essentially about embedding ourselves as researchers within specific social settings for a prolonged period of time, in order to develop a richer understanding of the dynamics and complexities of social life, social relations, and the workings of society. Building trust and rapport with participants is crucial to encourage openness. They remain reflexive, balancing engagement with maintaining an objective lens. Ethical considerations, such as obtaining informed consent and ensuring confidentiality, guide their approach. This method provides rich, in-depth insights into the lived experiences and social dynamics of a group. Most ethnographic research makes considerable use of participant observation, usually triangulated with interviews and/or ordinary “informal” conversations. Triangulation is particularly important as one method on its own is not usually reliable. The main advantage of ethnography is that it gives the researcher direct access to the culture and practices of a group. It is a useful approach for learning first-hand about the behavior and interactions of people within a particular context.
6. What are the strengths and weaknesses of participant observation as a method?
Ans: Participant observation offers strengths like deep, contextual understanding of social behaviors and dynamics. It captures nuances of lived experiences, enabling researchers to uncover meanings and practices often missed by other methods. Building rapport fosters trust, providing access to rich, authentic data. The researcher can get access to rare nuggets of information from living as part of the target group. Cons: Reactivity, or change of behavior by the participants because they know they are under observation, can affect the findings. However, its weaknesses include subjectivity, as researchers’ biases may influence observations. The method is time-consuming and challenging to generalize due to its focus on specific groups or settings. Ethical dilemmas, such as balancing immersion with professional detachment, can arise. Maintaining objectivity and avoiding overidentification with participants are critical to addressing these challenges and ensuring reliable findings. Naturalistic observation is a valuable tool because of its flexibility, external validity, and suitability for topics that can’t be studied in a lab setting. The downsides of naturalistic observation include its lack of scientific control, ethical considerations, and potential for bias from observers and subjects. It provides access to multiple perspectives. It is a flexible and open-ended process that allows the researcher to adapt to conditions as needed. It helps us to see if people are doing something different from what they say that they do.
7. What are the basic elements of the survey method? What is chief advantage of this method?
Ans: The survey method involves several basic elements:
(i) Research Objective: A research objective, also known as a goal or an objective, is a sentence or question that summarizes the purpose of your study or test. In other words, it’s an idea you want to understand deeper by performing research. Objectives should be the driving force behind every task you assign and each question that you ask. A clear focus or question guiding the survey.
(ii) Questionnaire Design: Questionnaire design is the process of designing the format and questions in the survey instrument that will be used to collect data about a particular phenomenon. In designing a questionnaire, all the various stages of survey design and implementation should be considered. Structured or semi-structured questions to collect data.
(iii) Sampling: Sampling is the process by which a researcher takes a smaller group from the target population she/he is interested in studying. The sampling technique is the method employed to do this. Selection of a representative group using methods like random or stratified sampling.
(iv) Data Collection: Data-collection techniques differ from participant observation, content analysis, interviewing, and documentary analysis. In this approach each problem studied requires a specific unit of observation, be it an individual, an organization, a city, a relationship between units, or a statistical rate.Administering surveys via interviews, online forms, or mailed questionnaires.
(v) Analysis: Sociological analysis refers to the process of examining social phenomena using statistical applications, mathematical modeling, and textual analysis, all of which are increasingly informed by computers and software. Systematic evaluation of collected data to derive insights.
8. Describe some of the criteria involved in selecting a representative sample.
Ans: Selecting a representative sample involves several key criteria:
(i) Population Definition: Clearly define the target population that the sample will represent, including specific characteristics like age, gender, location, and other relevant factors.
(ii) Sampling Method: Choose an appropriate sampling technique (e.g., random, stratified, or systematic) to ensure diversity and reduce bias. Random sampling ensures each member has an equal chance of selection, while stratified sampling divides the population into subgroups to ensure key segments are represented.
(iii) Sample Size: Sample size is the number of observations or individuals included in a study or experiment. It is the number of individuals, items, or data points selected from a larger population to represent it statistically. Ensure the sample size is large enough to produce reliable and statistically valid results, balancing practical constraints with statistical power.
(iv) Representation of Key Characteristics: Ensure the sample reflects the diversity and key characteristics of the target population to avoid overrepresentation or underrepresentation of specific groups. Central features include social interaction and relationships, social contexts, social structure, social change, the significance of diversity and human variation, and the critical, questioning character of sociology.
(v) Minimizing Bias: Avoid biases in the selection process, such as convenience sampling or non-random methods, that may skew the results. Use random sampling techniques to ensure each individual has an equal chance of being selected. Blinding: Implement blinding in your study to prevent participants and researchers from knowing critical details that could influence their behavior or interpretation.
9. State some of the weaknesses of the survey method.
Ans: The survey method has several weaknesses:
(i) Limited Depth: Depth Limited Search is a modified version of DFS that imposes a limit on the depth of the search. This means that the algorithm will only explore nodes up to a certain depth, effectively preventing it from going down excessively deep paths that are unlikely to lead to the goal. Surveys often provide superficial data, as they may not capture the complexity of participants’ experiences or attitudes.
(ii) Response Bias: Participants may provide socially desirable answers, misunderstand questions, or avoid sensitive topics, leading to skewed results. This means that the algorithm will only explore nodes up to a certain depth, effectively preventing it from going down excessively deep paths that are unlikely to lead to the goal.
(iii) Nonresponse: Nonresponse refers to the absence of data from sampled individuals in surveys or censuses, which can lead to biased estimates if those who do not respond differ from those who do respond on key variables of interest. A significant number of people may not respond, creating a nonresponse bias if the nonrespondents differ from those who participate.
(iv) Sampling Issues: If the sample is not representative, the findings may not be generalizable to the broader population. In an ideal world, social scientists would have the time and resources to study every member of the target population.
(v) Data Interpretation: Survey responses, particularly in closed-ended questions, may lack context, making them harder to interpret accurately.
10. Describe main features of the interview as a research method.
Ans: The interview as a research method has several key features:
(i) Structured, Semi-structured, or Unstructured: Semi-structured data is partially organized; hence the level of organizing is lesser than structured data but higher than that of unstructured data. Interviews can be highly structured with preset questions, semi-structured with open-ended questions, or unstructured, where the conversation is more free-flowing and flexible.
(ii) Direct Interaction: Direct interaction is the physical action amongst the individual. Physical interaction influence the actions of others in different ways. The interviewer interacts directly with the participant, allowing for in-depth responses and follow-up questions to clarify or expand on answers.
(iii) Personalized Data Collection: Interviews provide an opportunity to explore personal experiences, emotions, and opinions in detail, offering rich qualitative data. In this approach each problem studied requires a specific unit of observation, be it an individual, an organization, a city, a relationship between units, or a statistical rate.
(iv) Verbal and Non-Verbal Cues: Verbal communication is the words and sounds that come out of our mouths when we’re speaking, including tone of voice and things like sighs and groans. The interviewer can observe body language, tone, and facial expressions, adding context to the responses and enabling deeper understanding.
(v) Confidentiality: Confidentiality generally means that private information about an individual will not be shared without his or her consent. However, there may be situations in which private information about an individual becomes known without consent. Interviews typically offer a more private setting, allowing for more honest and open responses, especially in sensitive research areas.
