{"id":19464,"date":"2023-10-25T10:40:20","date_gmt":"2023-10-25T05:10:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/?p=19464"},"modified":"2023-12-15T14:57:23","modified_gmt":"2023-12-15T09:27:23","slug":"scientific-method-in-conducting-sociological","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/scientific-method-in-conducting-sociological\/","title":{"rendered":"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"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/rk58J2Lc3xAHJn9Y8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-19491\" src=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/WhatsApp-Image-2023-10-25-at-11.43.48-AM-1-2-300x242.jpeg\" alt=\"scientific method in conducting sociological research, Best Sociology Optional Coaching, Sociology Optional Syllabus.\" width=\"806\" height=\"650\" srcset=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/WhatsApp-Image-2023-10-25-at-11.43.48-AM-1-2-300x242.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/WhatsApp-Image-2023-10-25-at-11.43.48-AM-1-2-150x121.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/WhatsApp-Image-2023-10-25-at-11.43.48-AM-1-2-768x620.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/WhatsApp-Image-2023-10-25-at-11.43.48-AM-1-2.jpeg 989w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 806px) 100vw, 806px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_68 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >What's Inside this Blog!<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/scientific-method-in-conducting-sociological\/#What_are_the_characteristics_of_scientific_method_Do_you_think_that_scientific_method_in_conducting_sociological_research_is_foolproof_Elaborate\" title=\"What are the characteristics of scientific method? Do you think that scientific method in conducting sociological research is foolproof? Elaborate.\u00a0\">What are the characteristics of scientific method? Do you think that scientific method in conducting sociological research is foolproof? Elaborate.\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/scientific-method-in-conducting-sociological\/#Question_3_A_What_are_the_characteristics_of_scientific_method_Do_you_think_that_scientific_method_in_conducting_sociological_research_is_foolproof_Elaborate\" title=\"Question 3 (A): What are the characteristics of scientific method? Do you think that scientific method in conducting sociological research is foolproof? Elaborate.\">Question 3 (A): What are the characteristics of scientific method? Do you think that scientific method in conducting sociological research is foolproof? Elaborate.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/scientific-method-in-conducting-sociological\/#20_Marks\" title=\"(20 Marks)\">(20 Marks)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/scientific-method-in-conducting-sociological\/#Introduction\" title=\"Introduction:\">Introduction:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/scientific-method-in-conducting-sociological\/#Main_body\" title=\"Main body:\">Main body:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/scientific-method-in-conducting-sociological\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion:\">Conclusion:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/scientific-method-in-conducting-sociological\/#Related_Blogs%E2%80%A6\" title=\"Related Blogs&#8230;\">Related Blogs&#8230;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/scientific-method-in-conducting-sociological\/#Why_Vikash_Ranjans_Classes_for_Sociology\" title=\"Why Vikash Ranjan&#8217;s Classes for Sociology?\">Why Vikash Ranjan&#8217;s Classes for Sociology?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/scientific-method-in-conducting-sociological\/#Choose_The_Best_Sociology_Optional_Teacher_for_IAS_Preparation\" title=\"Choose The Best Sociology Optional Teacher for IAS Preparation?\">Choose The Best Sociology Optional Teacher for IAS Preparation?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/scientific-method-in-conducting-sociological\/#Find_More_Blogs%E2%80%A6\" title=\"Find More Blogs&#8230;\">Find More Blogs&#8230;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_characteristics_of_scientific_method_Do_you_think_that_scientific_method_in_conducting_sociological_research_is_foolproof_Elaborate\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\">What are the characteristics of scientific method? Do you think that scientific method in conducting sociological research is foolproof? Elaborate<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 8px;\">.<\/span><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><strong>Section: A<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: 8px;\"><em>.<\/em><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<\/strong><strong>Sociology Paper 2023 Analysis<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: 8px;\"><em>.<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/strong><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><strong>Relevant for Paper 1: <\/strong><b>Unit-2 Sociology as Science<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-19465\" src=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/WhatsApp-Image-2023-10-24-at-11.56.14-AM-300x141.jpeg\" alt=\"scientific method in conducting sociological research, Best Sociology Optional Coaching, Sociology Optional Syllabus.\" width=\"845\" height=\"397\" srcset=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/WhatsApp-Image-2023-10-24-at-11.56.14-AM-300x141.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/WhatsApp-Image-2023-10-24-at-11.56.14-AM-150x71.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/WhatsApp-Image-2023-10-24-at-11.56.14-AM-768x361.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/WhatsApp-Image-2023-10-24-at-11.56.14-AM.jpeg 850w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 845px) 100vw, 845px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Question_3_A_What_are_the_characteristics_of_scientific_method_Do_you_think_that_scientific_method_in_conducting_sociological_research_is_foolproof_Elaborate\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong>Question 3 <\/strong><strong>(A): <\/strong><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\">What are the characteristics of scientific method? Do you think that scientific method in conducting sociological research is foolproof? Elaborate<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 8px;\">.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: right;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"20_Marks\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong>(2<\/strong><\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong>0 Marks)<\/strong><\/span><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 100%;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Introduction<\/strong>:<\/span> <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Define Scientific Method.<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Main Body: <span style=\"color: #000000;\">Characteristics of Scientific Method and then Discuss Positivists Viewpoint as Suitable tool for Research and then Limitations of Scientific Methods to Highlighted by\u00a0 Non- Positivists.<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Conclusion:<\/span> <span style=\"color: #000000;\">Role of Sociology in Understanding and Solving the Social Issues Going Beyond the Debate of Suitability of Scientific Methods.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #800000; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><strong>Introduction: <\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\">Scientific Method is a systematic and objective attempt to study a problem for the purpose of deriving general principles.<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong> Robert Burns<\/strong> <strong>describes it as<\/strong> <strong>\u201ca systematic investigation to find solutions to a problem\u201d.<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Theodorson and Theodorson<\/span> <\/strong>have maintained that<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong> scientific method is \u201cbuilding of a body of scientific knowledge through observation, experimentation, generalization and verification\u201d.<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Main_body\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #800000; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><strong>Main body: <\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #993366; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><strong>Characteristics of Scientific Method <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; color: #993366;\"><strong>Horton and Hunt<\/strong> have given following characteristics of scientific method :<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Verifiable evidence:<\/strong><\/span> it means <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>factual observations<\/strong><\/span> which other observers can see and check.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Accuracy: accuracy here signifies <\/strong><strong>describing what really exists.<\/strong><\/span> It means truth or correctness of a statement or <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><em>d<\/em>escribing things exactly as they are and avoiding jumping to unwarranted conclusions <\/strong><\/span>either by exaggeration or fantasizing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Precision: Precision is <\/strong><strong>making it as exact as necessary, or giving exact number or measurement<em>.<\/em><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0 For example:\u00a0 Instead of saying, \u201cmost of the people were against family planning\u201d, one says, \u201cseventy-two per cent people were against family planning\u201d.\u00a0 Thus, in <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><em>scientific precision, one avoids colourful literature and vague meanings<\/em><\/strong>.<\/span>\u00a0 <em>How much precision is needed in social science will depend upon what the situation requires<\/em>.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Systematization:<\/strong> <strong>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<\/strong><em>.<\/em><\/span> Data based on casual recollections are generally incomplete and give unreliable judgments and conclusions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Objectivity<em>:<\/em><\/strong><strong> it means being free from all biases and vested interests<\/strong>. <\/span>It means, <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>observation is unaffected by the observer\u2019s 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.<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0 <em>The researcher remains detached from his emotions, prejudices and needs, and guards his biases.<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Recording: It is <\/strong><strong>jotting down complete details as quickly as possible<\/strong><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">. <\/span><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Since human <\/span><\/strong><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">memory is fallible, all data collected are recorded.<\/span><\/strong> \u00a0Researcher will not depend on the recalled facts but will analyse the problem on the basis of the recorded data.\u00a0 <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Conclusions based on recalled unrecorded data are not trust worthy.<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Controlling conditions: <\/strong><strong>This is the basic technique in all scientific experimentation-allowing one variable to vary while holding all other variables constant<\/strong>.<\/span> Unless all variables except one have been controlled, we cannot be sure which variable has produced the results.\u00a0 <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>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.\u00a0 He functions under many constraints.<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Training investigators: <\/strong><strong>Imparting necessary knowledge to investigators to make them understand what to look for, how to interpret it and avoid inaccurate data collection<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span> When some remarkable observations are reported, the scientist first tries to know what is the observer\u2019s level of education, training and sophistication.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #993366; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><strong>Other characteristics of Scientific method<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Replicability:<\/span> <\/strong>Scientific method should be replicable, meaning that other researchers should be able to repeat the same experiment and obtain similar results.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Falsifiability: <\/strong><\/span>Scientific method should be falsifiable, meaning that it is possible to disprove a hypothesis through observation or experimentation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #993366; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><strong>Suitability of scientific method in studying social reality as propounded by Positivists: <\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><strong>Positivists argue that this method is suitable for studying society because it allows for the discovery of objective, generalizable laws governing social behaviour<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\">This viewpoint contends that, <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>like the natural sciences, sociology can uncover regularities in social life and make predictions based on empirical evidence.<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\">Positivism is a philosophy that adheres to the view that <strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">only factual knowledge gained through observation, including measurement, is trustworthy.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\">In positivist studies, the <strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">role of the researcher is limited to data collection and<\/span> <span style=\"color: #000000;\">interpretation in an objective way, <\/span><\/strong>and research findings are <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>usually observable and quantifiable.<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\">Positivist researchers tend to <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>use highly structured research methodology<\/strong><\/span> in order to allow <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>the replication of the same study in the future.<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #993366; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><strong>However, critics argue that scientific methods are not full proof: <\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Max Weber argued that the subject matter of sociology &#8211; human beings are qualitatively different from the material world<\/strong>. <strong>Social actions<\/strong><\/span> are governed by <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>meanings and motives<\/strong> <strong>which are subjective in nature.<\/strong><\/span> Therefore, these can&#8217;t be quantified or generalised completely.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Ethnomethodology and Symbolic Interactionist criticise scientific methods for neglecting human subjectivity<\/strong>.<\/span> They argue that human subjectivity forms institutions and brings change in them.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Problem of objectivity: <\/strong><\/span>Human beings as social actors grow up in society and develop their liking or dislike. It influences their judgement.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><strong>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.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Problem of Experimentation:<\/strong><\/span> Experimentation is crucial in scientific observation to establish precise relationships between different variables<em>. <\/em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u00a0<\/span><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">However,<\/span> <span style=\"color: #000000;\">experimentation is only rarely possible in Sociology.\u00a0 The limitations are both practical and ethical.<\/span><\/strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u00a0<\/span> 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Ethical Concerns:<\/strong><\/span> Some sociological research questions may raise ethical dilemmas, making it difficult to apply the scientific method without violating ethical principles<strong>.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Problem of Quantification:<\/strong><\/span> Although some aspects of sociological phenomena can be quantified using statistical methods.\u00a0 <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>But, a large part of it is essentially qualitative in nature and hence is not amendable to quantitative techniques<\/strong>.<\/span>\u00a0 Even, the attempts <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>of Neo-positivist to apply quantitative techniques to sociological phenomena have met with little success.<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Problem of Generalization: <\/strong><\/span>Sociologists have not being successful in arriving at law-like generalizations through their studies<em>.<\/em> The reason for this failure lies in the very nature of the subject matter of Sociology<strong>.<\/strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Human behaviour does not follow recurrent patterns like physical objects. At best sociologists can establish statistical correlations.<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0 The generalizations which sociologist make are often in the nature of statements, representing trends of tendency statements.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #800000; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\">Conclusion:<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>While the scientific method offers valuable tools for conducting sociological research, it is not fool proof.<\/strong> <\/span>\u00a0While scientific method has its limitations, it remains an important tool for research in sociology and other fields. <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>The role of sociology is to understand and solve social issues, going beyond the debate of the suitability of scientific methods<\/strong><\/span>. Therefore, researchers<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"> <strong><em>should use a range of methods<\/em><\/strong>, <\/span><strong><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\">including both quantitative and qualitative approaches, to gain a comprehensive understanding of social phenomena<\/span>.<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Blogs%E2%80%A6\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; color: #ff0000;\">Related Blogs&#8230;<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/ethnicity-and-navigating-conflicts-in-india\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-19055\" src=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/2-8-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"365\" height=\"274\" srcset=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/2-8-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/2-8-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/2-8-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/2-8.jpg 880w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 365px) 100vw, 365px\" \/><\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/blurred-lines-distinguishing-between-ethnicity-and-race\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-19054\" src=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1-1-300x225.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"372\" height=\"279\" srcset=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1-1-150x113.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1-1.jpeg 880w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 372px) 100vw, 372px\" \/><\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/sociology-paper-2023\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-19230\" src=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/sts-40-300x197.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"911\" height=\"598\" srcset=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/sts-40-300x197.jpg 300w, https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/sts-40-1024x671.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/sts-40-150x98.jpg 150w, https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/sts-40-768x503.jpg 768w, https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/sts-40-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/sts-40.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 911px) 100vw, 911px\" \/><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-15254\" src=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/7-300x50.jpg\" alt=\"Symbolic Interactionism Sociology, Symbolic interaction, meaningful symbols, social interaction, human behavior, language, dramaturgical analysis, labeling approach, sociological theories, critical analysis.\" width=\"822\" height=\"137\" srcset=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/7-300x50.jpg 300w, https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/7-1024x171.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/7-150x25.jpg 150w, https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/7-768x128.jpg 768w, https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/7-1536x256.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/7-2048x341.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 822px) 100vw, 822px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\">To master these intricacies and fare well in the <strong>Sociology Optional Syllabus,<\/strong> aspiring sociologists might benefit from guidance by the <strong>Best Sociology Optional Teacher<\/strong> and participation in the <strong>Best Sociology Optional Coaching.<\/strong> These avenues provide comprehensive assistance, ensuring a solid understanding of sociology&#8217;s diverse methodologies and techniques.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><strong>META TAGS:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\">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\u2019s theory, essentially differ from each other? Substantiate.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Vikash_Ranjans_Classes_for_Sociology\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; color: #ff0000;\">Why Vikash Ranjan&#8217;s Classes for Sociology?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\">Proper guidance and assistance are required to learn the skill of interlinking current happenings with the conventional topics. <strong>VIKASH RANJAN SIR <\/strong>at <strong>TRIUMPH IAS<\/strong> guides students according to the Recent Trends of UPSC, making him the <strong>Best Sociology Teacher<\/strong> for <strong>Sociology Optional UPSC.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\">At Triumph IAS, the <strong>Best Sociology Optional Coaching<\/strong> platform, we not only provide the best study material and applied classes for <strong>Sociology for IAS<\/strong> but also conduct regular assignments and class tests to assess candidates&#8217; writing skills and understanding of the subject.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Choose_The_Best_Sociology_Optional_Teacher_for_IAS_Preparation\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 28px;\">Choose <a href=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><em>T<strong>he Best Sociology Optional Teacher <\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/a>for IAS Preparation?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 20px;\">At the beginning of the journey for<strong> Civil Services Examination <\/strong>preparation, many students face a pivotal decision \u2013 selecting their optional subject. Questions such as &#8220;<strong><em>which optional subject is the best?<\/em><\/strong>&#8221; and &#8220;<strong><em>which optional subject is the most scoring?<\/em><\/strong>&#8221; frequently come to mind. Choosing the right optional subject, like choosing the <strong><em>best sociology optional teacher<\/em><\/strong>, is a subjective yet vital step that requires a thoughtful decision based on facts. A misstep in this crucial decision can indeed prove disastrous.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 20px;\">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 <strong>optional subject for the UPSC Mains<\/strong>, which has two papers of 250 marks each. One of the compelling choices for many has been the sociology optional. However, it&#8217;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&#8217;s the score in the optional subject &amp; essay that contributes significantly to the final selection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: 20px;\"><strong><em><span style=\"font-size: 36px;\">\u201c<\/span>A sound strategy does not rely solely on the popular<br \/>\n<\/em><\/strong><\/span><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: 20px;\"><strong><em>Opinion of toppers or famous YouTubers cum teachers.<span style=\"font-size: 36px;\">\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 20px;\">It requires understanding one&#8217;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 <strong><em>sociology optional coaching<\/em><\/strong> in <strong>General Studies, Essay, and Personality Test.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 20px;\">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 <strong><em>best sociology optional coaching<\/em><\/strong> 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 <strong><em>sociology optional<\/em><\/strong>, you need to analyze the syllabus, previous years&#8217; pattern, subject requirements (be it ideal, visionary, numerical, conceptual theoretical), and your comfort level with the subject.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 20px;\">This decision marks a critical point in your <strong><em>UPSC &#8211; CSE journey<\/em><\/strong>, potentially determining your success in a career in IAS\/Civil Services. Therefore, it&#8217;s crucial to choose wisely, whether it&#8217;s the optional subject or the <strong><em>best sociology optional teacher<\/em><\/strong>. Always base your decision on accurate facts, and never let your emotional biases guide your choices. After all, the search for the <strong><em>best sociology optional coaching<\/em><\/strong> is about finding the perfect fit for your unique academic needs and aspirations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/p9IYaTuS3sA?si=CiiRvqWVd_sdZNlm\" width=\"750\" height=\"421\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\">Follow us :<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/triumphias\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\ud83d\udd0e https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/triumphias<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><a href=\"\ud83d\udd0e www.triumphias.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\ud83d\udd0e\u00a0 www.triumphias.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/TriumphIAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\ud83d\udd0e https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/TriumphIAS<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/TriumphIAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\ud83d\udd0e<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/VikashRanjanSociology\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/t.me\/VikashRanjanSociology<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Find_More_Blogs%E2%80%A6\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #808000; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\">Find More Blogs&#8230;<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><a style=\"color: #ff6600; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/compare-and-contrast-karl-marxs-and-max-webers-analysis-of-the-modern-phenomena-of-capitalism\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Compare and contrast Karl Marx\u2019s and Max weber\u2019s<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><a style=\"color: #ff6600; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/karl-marx-historical-materialism\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Karl Marx- Historical Materialism<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/position-of-women-in-the-modern-indian-society-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Position of Women In the Modern Indian Society<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/sociology-social-system-and-pattern-variables\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Sociology: Social system and pattern variables<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kt3VeKYqoSs?t=54s\" width=\"350\" height=\"196\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;\"><sup><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dL85EHfcitw?t=17s\" width=\"350\" height=\"196\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/sup><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tJcm9G2RwVE\" width=\"350\" height=\"196\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YXsRAVmvsCE?t=1s\" width=\"350\" height=\"196\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What are the characteristics of scientific method? Do you think that scientific method in conducting sociological research is foolproof? Elaborate.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19466,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1033,123,114,1032,1026,115,116,1034,1027],"tags":[9121],"class_list":["post-19464","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-best-optional-sociology","category-current-affairs","category-sociology-optional","category-sociology-mains-ias","category-sociology-optional-sociology-optional","category-sociology-optional-paper-i","category-sociology-optional-paper-ii","category-sociology-scoring-optional","category-sociology-upsc","tag-scientific-method-in-conducting-sociologica"],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19464","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19464"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19464\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20344,"href":"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19464\/revisions\/20344"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19466"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19464"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19464"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/triumphias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19464"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}