Sociology as Science PYQ | UPSC Sociology GS 1

2026

Section a · 1. · Paper Q7(a) · 2026 · 20 marks · Solution

Compare and critically assess 'the grounded theory' with 'theory-driven research method' in sociology

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2025

Section b · 2. · Paper Q1(b) · 2025 · 10 marks · Solution

What is the relationship (similarities and differences) between sociology and history in terms of their area of study and methodology? Discuss.

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Section a · 3. · Paper Q2(a) · 2025 · 20 marks · Solution

What is positivism? Critically analyze the major arguments against it

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Section c · 4. · Paper Q2(c) · 2025 · 10 marks · Solution

What do you mean by reliability? Discuss the importance of reliability in social science research.

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Section d · 5. · Paper Q5(d) · 2025 · 10 marks · Solution

How does Weber's Verstehen address the objectivity-subjectivity debate in sociology?

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2024

Section b · 6. · Paper Q2(b) · 2024 · 20 marks · Solution

Do you think 'objectivity' is an over-hyped idea in sociological research? Discuss the merits and demerits of non-positivist methods

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Section a · 7. · Paper Q4(a) · 2024 · 20 marks · Solution

What do you understand by 'mixed method'? Discuss its strengths and limitations in social research

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2023

Section a · 8. · Paper Q1(a) · 2023 · 10 marks · Solution

What is the distinctiveness of the feminist method of social research? Comment

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Section b · 9. · Paper Q1(b) · 2023 · 10 marks · Solution

Discuss the relationship between sociology and political science

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Section a · 10. · Paper Q3(a) · 2023 · 20 marks · Solution

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

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2022

Section b · 11. · Paper Q1(b) · 2022 · 10 marks · Solution

How does a researcher achieve objectivity in interpretative research?

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2020

Section b · 12. · Paper Q1(b) · 2020 · 10 marks · Solution

Is sociology a value-free science ? Discuss.

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Section c · 13. · Paper Q1(c) · 2020 · 10 marks · Solution

Methodology is a system of rules, principles and procedures, which forms. scientific investigation. Comment.

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Section c · 14. · Paper Q6(c) · 2020 · 15 marks · Solution

Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of social survey method in social research.

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Section b · 15. · Paper Q7(b) · 2020 · 15 marks · Solution

Phenomenological perspectives in sociology reject many of the assumptions of positivism. Comment.

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2018

Section a · 16. · Paper Q2(a) · 2018 · 20 marks · Solution

Is non-positivist methodology scientific? Illustrate.

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Section c · 17. · Paper Q5(c) · 2018 · 10 marks · Solution

Does scientific method make Sociology a Science? Illustrate your answer with Durkheim's method.

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2017

Section b · 18. · Paper Q1(b) · 2017 · 10 marks · Solution

Examine ethnomethodological and phenomenological perspective as critique of positivism

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Section c · 19. · Paper Q1(c) · 2017 · 10 marks · Solution

Illustrate with example the significance of variable in sociology research

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2016

Section b · 20. · Paper Q1(b) · 2016 · 10 marks · Solution

What is 'value-free sociology'? Clarify

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Section b · 21. · Paper Q3(b) · 2016 · 15 marks · Solution

Describe the basic postulates of scientific method. How far are these followed in sociological research?

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Section a · 22. · Paper Q4(a) · 2016 · 20 marks · Solution

Examine Max Weber's method of maintaining objectivity in social research.

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2015

Section a · 23. · Paper Q1(a) · 2015 · 10 marks · Solution

Is sociology a science? Give reasons for your answer.

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Section b · 24. · Paper Q2(b) · 2015 · 15 marks · Solution

Examine the problems of maintaining objectivity and value neutrality in social science research.

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Section a · 25. · Paper Q4(a) · 2015 · 20 marks · Solution

"Non-positivist methodology is essential for understanding human behaviour." Discuss.

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