CSS Sociology Methods of Sociological Research Syllabus

Methods of Sociological Research syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Methods of Sociological Research in CSS Sociology, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Science and Sociology

   2 topics

   • Scientific Method in Social Research
   • Steps in the Research Process
2. 2

   Research Design

   2 topics

   • Types of Research Design
   • Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches
3. 3

   Tools and Techniques of Data Collection

   4 topics

   • Questionnaire and Its Types
   • Survey Method
   • Observation Techniques
   • Case Study Method

Methods of Sociological Research flashcards for CSS Sociology

22 of 50 cards from the Methods of Sociological Research deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What is the scientific method in social research?

   A systematic, objective, and logical procedure for acquiring knowledge based on empirical observation, hypothesis formulation, testing, and verification, aiming to discover patterns and explain social phenomena.

2. Name the key characteristics (features) of the scientific method.

   Empiricism (based on observation/evidence), objectivity, verifiability, reliability, validity, generality, systematic procedure, and predictability.

3. What does 'objectivity' mean in social research?

   Studying social phenomena without personal bias, prejudice, or value judgments, so that findings reflect reality and can be replicated by others.

4. What is empiricism in the context of the scientific method?

   The principle that knowledge must be derived from and tested against observable, measurable evidence rather than speculation or intuition.

5. Define 'verifiability' as a feature of scientific research.

   The capacity for research findings to be checked, repeated, and confirmed by other researchers under the same conditions.

6. What is the difference between reliability and validity in research?

   Reliability is the consistency of results when a measurement is repeated; validity is the degree to which a tool actually measures what it claims to measure.

7. What is a hypothesis?

   A tentative, testable statement proposing a relationship between two or more variables, which research seeks to confirm or refute.

8. Distinguish between a null hypothesis and an alternative hypothesis.

   A null hypothesis (H0) states there is no relationship between variables; the alternative hypothesis (H1) asserts that a relationship does exist.

9. What is a variable in social research?

   Any characteristic, trait, or attribute that can take different values or vary among individuals, groups, or situations (e.g., age, income, education).

10. Distinguish between an independent and a dependent variable.

    The independent variable is the presumed cause that is manipulated or measured; the dependent variable is the effect or outcome that changes in response to it.

11. List the main steps in the research process in order.

    1) Selecting/defining the problem, 2) Reviewing literature, 3) Formulating hypotheses, 4) Research design, 5) Collecting data, 6) Analyzing data, 7) Interpreting findings, 8) Reporting/generalization.

12. Why is a literature review conducted in the research process?

    To understand existing knowledge, avoid duplication, refine the problem, identify gaps, and build a theoretical framework for the study.

13. What is the first step in the research process?

    Selecting and clearly defining the research problem or topic to be studied.

14. What is operationalization in research?

    The process of defining abstract concepts in measurable terms by specifying the indicators and procedures used to observe or measure them.

15. What is a research design?

    The overall plan or blueprint that guides the collection, measurement, and analysis of data to answer the research questions effectively.

16. Name the major types of research design.

    Exploratory, descriptive, explanatory (causal/diagnostic), and experimental research designs.

17. What is the purpose of exploratory research design?

    To investigate a little-understood problem, gain familiarity, generate insights, and formulate problems or hypotheses for more precise later study.

18. What is descriptive research design?

    Research that systematically describes the characteristics, frequency, or distribution of a phenomenon or population without manipulating variables (answers who, what, when, where).

19. What is explanatory (causal) research design?

    Research that seeks to identify cause-and-effect relationships, explaining why a phenomenon occurs by linking variables.

20. What is experimental research design?

    A design in which the researcher manipulates an independent variable under controlled conditions to observe its effect on a dependent variable, often using experimental and control groups.

21. What distinguishes a longitudinal study from a cross-sectional study?

    A longitudinal study observes the same subjects repeatedly over time; a cross-sectional study examines data from a population at a single point in time.

22. Define quantitative research.

    Research that collects and analyzes numerical data using statistical methods to measure variables, test hypotheses, and generalize findings to larger populations.

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