Sociology Optional Mains Paper 1 for UPSC | Year 2023 | What are the characteristics of scientific method? Do you think that scientific method in conducting sociological research is foolproof? Elaborate | Triumph IAS

What are the characteristics of scientific method? Do you think that scientific method in conducting sociological research is foolproof? Elaborate. 

Section: A.
Sociology Paper 2023 Analysis.
Relevant for Paper 1: Unit-2 Sociology as Science

Question 3 (A): What are the characteristics of scientific method? Do you think that scientific method in conducting sociological research is foolproof? Elaborate.

(20 Marks)

Introduction: Define Scientific Method.

Main Body: Characteristics of Scientific Method and then Discuss Positivists Viewpoint as Suitable tool for Research and then Limitations of Scientific Methods to Highlighted by  Non- Positivists.

Conclusion: Role of Sociology in Understanding and Solving the Social Issues Going Beyond the Debate of Suitability of Scientific Methods.

Introduction:

  1. Scientific Method is a systematic and objective attempt to study a problem for the purpose of deriving general principles. Robert Burns describes it as “a systematic investigation to find solutions to a problem”.
  2. Theodorson and Theodorson have maintained that scientific method is “building of a body of scientific knowledge through observation, experimentation, generalization and verification”.

Main body:

Characteristics of Scientific Method

Horton and Hunt have given following characteristics of scientific method :

  • Verifiable evidence: it means factual observations which other observers can see and check.
  • Accuracy: accuracy here signifies describing what really exists. It means truth or correctness of a statement or describing things exactly as they are and avoiding jumping to unwarranted conclusions either by exaggeration or fantasizing.
  • Precision: Precision is making it as exact as necessary, or giving exact number or measurement.  For example:  Instead of saying, “most of the people were against family planning”, one says, “seventy-two per cent people were against family planning”.  Thus, in scientific precision, one avoids colourful literature and vague meanings.  How much precision is needed in social science will depend upon what the situation requires.
  • Systematization: it pertains to the attempt to find all the relevant data or collecting data in a systematic and organized way so that the conclusions drawn are reliable. Data based on casual recollections are generally incomplete and give unreliable judgments and conclusions.
  • Objectivity: it means being free from all biases and vested interests. It means, observation is unaffected by the observer’s values, beliefs and preferences to the extent possible and he is able to see and accept facts as they are, not as he might wish them to be.  The researcher remains detached from his emotions, prejudices and needs, and guards his biases.
  • Recording: It is jotting down complete details as quickly as possible. Since human memory is fallible, all data collected are recorded.  Researcher will not depend on the recalled facts but will analyse the problem on the basis of the recorded data.  Conclusions based on recalled unrecorded data are not trust worthy.
  • Controlling conditions: This is the basic technique in all scientific experimentation-allowing one variable to vary while holding all other variables constant. Unless all variables except one have been controlled, we cannot be sure which variable has produced the results.  Though a physical scientist is able to control as many variables as he wishes in an experiment he conducts in the laboratory but a social scientist cannot control all variables as he wishes.  He functions under many constraints.
  • Training investigators: Imparting necessary knowledge to investigators to make them understand what to look for, how to interpret it and avoid inaccurate data collection When some remarkable observations are reported, the scientist first tries to know what is the observer’s level of education, training and sophistication. 

Other characteristics of Scientific method

  • Replicability: Scientific method should be replicable, meaning that other researchers should be able to repeat the same experiment and obtain similar results.
  • Falsifiability: Scientific method should be falsifiable, meaning that it is possible to disprove a hypothesis through observation or experimentation.

Suitability of scientific method in studying social reality as propounded by Positivists:

  • Positivists argue that this method is suitable for studying society because it allows for the discovery of objective, generalizable laws governing social behaviour.
  • This viewpoint contends that, like the natural sciences, sociology can uncover regularities in social life and make predictions based on empirical evidence.
  • Positivism is a philosophy that adheres to the view that only factual knowledge gained through observation, including measurement, is trustworthy.
  • In positivist studies, the role of the researcher is limited to data collection and interpretation in an objective way, and research findings are usually observable and quantifiable.
  • Positivist researchers tend to use highly structured research methodology in order to allow the replication of the same study in the future.

However, critics argue that scientific methods are not full proof:

  • Max Weber argued that the subject matter of sociology – human beings are qualitatively different from the material world. Social actions are governed by meanings and motives which are subjective in nature. Therefore, these can’t be quantified or generalised completely.
  • Ethnomethodology and Symbolic Interactionist criticise scientific methods for neglecting human subjectivity. They argue that human subjectivity forms institutions and brings change in them.
  • Problem of objectivity: Human beings as social actors grow up in society and develop their liking or dislike. It influences their judgement.

Eg. A women sociologist studying adjustment issues faced by a new bride in the home of husband. Her own experience is bound to influence the judgement.

  • Problem of Experimentation: Experimentation is crucial in scientific observation to establish precise relationships between different variables.  However, experimentation is only rarely possible in Sociology.  The limitations are both practical and ethical.  It is practically not possible to control human behaviour in a laboratory like situation and it is even ethnically undesirable to treat humans like guinea and pigs.
  • Ethical Concerns: Some sociological research questions may raise ethical dilemmas, making it difficult to apply the scientific method without violating ethical principles.
  • Problem of Quantification: Although some aspects of sociological phenomena can be quantified using statistical methods.  But, a large part of it is essentially qualitative in nature and hence is not amendable to quantitative techniques.  Even, the attempts of Neo-positivist to apply quantitative techniques to sociological phenomena have met with little success.
  • Problem of Generalization: Sociologists have not being successful in arriving at law-like generalizations through their studies. The reason for this failure lies in the very nature of the subject matter of Sociology.Human behaviour does not follow recurrent patterns like physical objects. At best sociologists can establish statistical correlations.  The generalizations which sociologist make are often in the nature of statements, representing trends of tendency statements.

Conclusion:

While the scientific method offers valuable tools for conducting sociological research, it is not fool proof.  While scientific method has its limitations, it remains an important tool for research in sociology and other fields. The role of sociology is to understand and solve social issues, going beyond the debate of the suitability of scientific methods. Therefore, researchers should use a range of methods, including both quantitative and qualitative approaches, to gain a comprehensive understanding of social phenomena.


Related Blogs…



To master these intricacies and fare well in the Sociology Optional Syllabus, aspiring sociologists might benefit from guidance by the Best Sociology Optional Teacher and participation in the Best Sociology Optional Coaching. These avenues provide comprehensive assistance, ensuring a solid understanding of sociology’s diverse methodologies and techniques.

META TAGS:

Iron Law of Oligarchy, Robert Michels, Vilfredo Pareto, Lions and Foxes theory, power dynamics, organizational oligarchy, elite circulation, political sociology, leadership styles, organizational control, sociological theories, political maneuvering, elite differentiation, power concentration, societal stability, political leadership, strategic political leadership, Sociology Question Paper, Sociology Question Paper 2023, Sociology Question Paper CYQ, Sociology Question Paper UPSC, What, according to Robert Michels, is the iron law of oligarchy? Do lions and foxes in Vilfredo Pareto’s theory, essentially differ from each other? Substantiate.


Why Vikash Ranjan’s Classes for Sociology?

Proper guidance and assistance are required to learn the skill of interlinking current happenings with the conventional topics. VIKASH RANJAN SIR at TRIUMPH IAS guides students according to the Recent Trends of UPSC, making him the Best Sociology Teacher for Sociology Optional UPSC.

At Triumph IAS, the Best Sociology Optional Coaching platform, we not only provide the best study material and applied classes for Sociology for IAS but also conduct regular assignments and class tests to assess candidates’ writing skills and understanding of the subject.

Choose The Best Sociology Optional Teacher for IAS Preparation?

At the beginning of the journey for Civil Services Examination preparation, many students face a pivotal decision – selecting their optional subject. Questions such as “which optional subject is the best?” and “which optional subject is the most scoring?” frequently come to mind. Choosing the right optional subject, like choosing the best sociology optional teacher, is a subjective yet vital step that requires a thoughtful decision based on facts. A misstep in this crucial decision can indeed prove disastrous.

Ever since the exam pattern was revamped in 2013, the UPSC has eliminated the need for a second optional subject. Now, candidates have to choose only one optional subject for the UPSC Mains, which has two papers of 250 marks each. One of the compelling choices for many has been the sociology optional. However, it’s strongly advised to decide on your optional subject for mains well ahead of time to get sufficient time to complete the syllabus. After all, most students score similarly in General Studies Papers; it’s the score in the optional subject & essay that contributes significantly to the final selection.

A sound strategy does not rely solely on the popular
Opinion of toppers or famous YouTubers cum teachers.

It requires understanding one’s ability, interest, and the relevance of the subject, not just for the exam but also for life in general. Hence, when selecting the best sociology teacher, one must consider the usefulness of sociology optional coaching in General Studies, Essay, and Personality Test.

The choice of the optional subject should be based on objective criteria, such as the nature, scope, and size of the syllabus, uniformity and stability in the question pattern, relevance of the syllabic content in daily life in society, and the availability of study material and guidance. For example, choosing the best sociology optional coaching can ensure access to top-quality study materials and experienced teachers. Always remember, the approach of the UPSC optional subject differs from your academic studies of subjects. Therefore, before settling for sociology optional, you need to analyze the syllabus, previous years’ pattern, subject requirements (be it ideal, visionary, numerical, conceptual theoretical), and your comfort level with the subject.

This decision marks a critical point in your UPSC – CSE journey, potentially determining your success in a career in IAS/Civil Services. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose wisely, whether it’s the optional subject or the best sociology optional teacher. Always base your decision on accurate facts, and never let your emotional biases guide your choices. After all, the search for the best sociology optional coaching is about finding the perfect fit for your unique academic needs and aspirations.

Follow us :

🔎 https://www.instagram.com/triumphias

🔎  www.triumphias.com

🔎 https://www.youtube.com/c/TriumphIAS

🔎 https://t.me/VikashRanjanSociology

Find More Blogs…

Compare and contrast Karl Marx’s and Max weber’s Karl Marx- Historical Materialism
Position of Women In the Modern Indian Society Sociology: Social system and pattern variables

KEYWORD: scientific method in conducting sociological, scientific method in conducting sociological, scientific method in conducting sociological, scientific method in conducting sociological , scientific method in conducting sociological, scientific method in conducting sociological, scientific method in conducting sociological, scientific method in conducting sociological, scientific method in conducting sociological, scientific method in conducting sociological, scientific method in conducting sociological, scientific method in conducting sociological

One comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *