Sampling

(Relevant for Sociology Optional for Civil Services Examination)

Introduction

After settling on a research topic and method, sociologists determine the ‘sample’, or the specific group to be studied. Every study requires a selected subset or sample from the broader group.
Proponents of ‘scientific’ quantitative research often use advanced sampling techniques, arguing that they can generalize based on their results.

Sample

A sample is a subsection of a broader population. Ideally, it represents the broader population by providing a comprehensive overview of the whole group.
Using samples is cost-effective and time-saving, narrowing down the number of subjects under study.
With a well-selected sample, findings can be generalized, making assertions about the broader population.

Sampling Procedure

Sampling starts by defining the target demographic. This includes all potential subjects for the study.
These subjects can range from individuals to entire social groups.
After identifying the subjects and their broader group, a sampling framework is established.

Types of Sampling

Random and Systematic Sampling

A straightforward method to pick a vast sample. Every subject has an equal probability of being chosen in random sampling.
Assigning numbers to each potential subject and then using a random number table typically achieves this.
A quicker, albeit slightly less random method, is choosing every nth number from a list. This method, called systematic sampling, isn’t purely random.

Stratified Random Sampling

Here, the sampling framework is divided to ensure representation. Variables that need control are identified, and subjects are grouped accordingly.
It allows researchers to manage key variables effectively.
It’s efficient in ensuring representation with a smaller sample size than random sampling.
However, implementing it can be challenging, especially if there’s no clear way to group the population.

Quota Sampling

This method enables researchers to manage variables without a set sampling framework. Specific quotas are set for interviewers based on certain population characteristics.
It’s especially helpful when the proportion of diverse groups in a population is known.
Being quicker and less costly than random sampling, it’s a preferred method when immediate results are needed. However, if a respondent declines, researchers can seek another with similar characteristics.

Issues with Quota Sampling

Quota sampling isn’t entirely random since not everyone in the broader group has an equal chance of being selected.
There are inherent biases in quota samples. Since there’s no guaranteed equal chance for every member to be chosen, generalizing findings becomes problematic.
This method might require personal questions upfront, which could bias responses.
Filling quotas can sometimes present challenges, particularly for minority groups.

Multi-stage Sampling

This involves choosing a sample from an already selected sample and is commonly used in opinion polls.
It is a cost-effective method, especially when dealing with large national target populations. Snowballing
Snowballing is a niche sampling type, used when conventional methods are impractical. It leverages personal networks to accumulate study subjects.
This method suits rare or dispersed groups where individuals are interconnected.
Snowballing isn’t representative since subjects must be interconnected to be considered. It’s effective for hard-to-reach groups, like professional criminals.

Volunteer Sampling

This method invites individuals to participate willingly in a study, often through media or online platforms.
The benefit is that participants are generally more engaged and interested.
However, those who volunteer might have distinct experiences compared to those who don’t.

Non-representative Sampling

Not all sociological studies aim for representative samples. Convenience samples, which are chosen for practicality, are prevalent.
A convenience sample is easy to access but doesn’t guarantee representation. At times, a non-representative sample, also known as a purposive sample, is deliberately selected for a specific reason.

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.

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Explore Sociology Optional Syllabus

Paper-1

FUNDAMENTALS OF SOCIOLOGY

Sociology – The Discipline
Sociology as Science:
Research Methods and Analysis:
Sociological Thinkers:
Stratification and Mobility:
Works and Economic Life:
1. Social organization of work in different types of society- slave society, feudal society, industrial /capitalist society
2. Formal and informal organization of work.
3. Labour and society.
Politics and Society:
1. Sociological theories of power.
2. Power elite, bureaucracy, pressure groups, and political parties.
3. Nation, state, citizenship, democracy, civil society, ideology.
4. Protest, agitation, social movements, collective action, revolution.
Religion and Society:
1. Sociological theories of religion.
2. Types of religious practices: animism, monism, pluralism, sects, cults.
3. Religion in modern society: religion and science, secularization, religious revivalism, fundamentalism.
Systems of Kinship:
1. Family, household, marriage.
2. Types and forms of family.
3. Lineage and descent.
4. Patriarchy and sexual division of labour.
5. Contemporary trends.
Social Change in Modern Society:
1. Sociological theories of social change.
2. Development and dependency.
3. Agents of social change.
4. Education and social change.
5. Science, technology and social change.

Paper-2

INDIAN SOCIETY: STRUCTURE AND CHANGE

INTRODUCING INDIAN SOCIETY

Perspectives on the study of Indian society:
1. Indology (GS. Ghurye).
2. Structural functionalism (M N Srinivas).
3. Marxist sociology (A R Desai).
Impact of colonial rule on Indian society :
1. Social background of Indian nationalism.
2. Modernization of Indian tradition.
3. Protests and movements during the colonial period.
4. Social reforms.

SOCIAL STRUCTURE

Perspectives on the study of Indian society:
1. The idea of Indian village and village studies.
2. Agrarian social structure – evolution of land tenure system, land reforms.
Caste System:
1. Perspectives on the study of caste systems: GS Ghurye, M N Srinivas, Louis Dumont, Andre Beteille.
2. Features of caste system.
3. Untouchability – forms and perspectives.
Tribal communities in India
1. Definitional problems.
2. Geographical spread.
3. Colonial policies and tribes.
4. Issues of integration and autonomy.
Social Classes in India:

1. Agrarian class structure.

- - Industrial class structure.
  - Middle classes in India.
Systems of Kinship in India:
1. Lineage and descent in India.
2. Types of kinship systems.
3. Family and marriage in India.
4. Household dimensions of the family.
5. Patriarchy, entitlements and sexual division of labour
Religion and Society:
1. Religious communities in India.
2. Problems of religious minorities.
3. Patriarchy, entitlements and sexual division of labour

SOCIAL CHANGES IN INDIA

Visions of Social Change in India:
- Idea of development planning and mixed economy
- Constitution, law and social change.
- Education and social change.
Rural and Agrarian transformation in India:
- Programmes of rural development, Community Development Programme, cooperatives,poverty alleviation schemes
- Green revolution and social change.
- Changing modes of production in Indian agriculture.
- Problems of rural labour, bondage, migration.

3. Industrialization and Urbanisation in India:

- Evolution of modern industry in India.
- Growth of urban settlements in India.
- Working class: structure, growth, class mobilization.
- Informal sector, child labour
- Slums and deprivation in urban areas.

4. Politics and Society:

- Nation, democracy and citizenship.
- Political parties, pressure groups , social and political elite
- Regionalism and decentralization of power.
- Secularization

5. Social Movements in Modern India:

- Peasants and farmers movements.
- Women’s movement.
- Backward classes & Dalit movement.
- Environmental movements.
- Ethnicity and Identity movements.

6. Population Dynamics:

- Population size, growth, composition and distribution
- Components of population growth: birth, death, migration.
- Population policy and family planning.
- Emerging issues: ageing, sex ratios, child and infant mortality, reproductive health.

7. Challenges of Social Transformation:

- Crisis of development: displacement, environmental problems and sustainability
- Poverty, deprivation and inequalities.
- Violence against women.
- Caste conflicts.
- Ethnic conflicts, communalism, religious revivalism.
- Illiteracy and disparities in education.

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Understanding Sampling Methods in Sociological Research | Sociology Optional for UPSC Civil Services Examination | Triumph IAS