IGNOU MSO 002 Important Questions With Answers English Medium

MSO 002 Research Methodologies and Methods is a course offered by the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) as part of its Master of Arts (MA) in Sociology program.

Course Structure:

• Approaches to Understanding Social Reality: This block introduces students to the nature and scope of sociological research, as well as the different research methodologies that have been developed within sociology.

• Philosophical Foundations of Social Research: This block examines the philosophical foundations of social research, such as positivism, interpretivism, and critical theory.

• Contemporary Perspectives: This block explores the contemporary perspectives on social research, such as feminist research, postcolonial research, and indigenous research.

• Types, Methods and Design of Research: This block introduces students to the different types of research designs, such as quantitative research, qualitative research, and mixed methods research. It also explores the different methods of data collection, such as surveys, interviews, and observation.

• Quantitative Methods: This block covers the basics of quantitative data analysis, such as descriptive statistics and inferential statistics.

• Survey Research: This block explores the different types of surveys and how to design and conduct a survey.

• Data Analysis and Presentation of Research Findings: This block covers the different methods of data analysis, such as coding and thematic analysis. It also explores how to present research findings in a clear and concise way.

Q.1 Discuss Auguste Comte’s contribution in establishing of a science of society.

Auguste Comte, a French philosopher and sociologist, played a pivotal role in the establishment of a science of society, contributing profoundly to the development of sociology. Born in 1798 amidst the transformative aftermath of the French Revolution and the burgeoning Industrial Revolution, Comte's intellectual insights and visionary outlook paved the way for the emergence of sociology as a distinct academic discipline. 

His multifaceted contributions encompassed the formulation of a positivist philosophy, the application of the scientific method to social inquiry, and a comprehensive classification of the sciences.

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IGNOU MSO 002 Important Questions With Answers English Medium-Central to Comte's role in the science of society is his positivist philosophy, rooted in the Enlightenment ideals of reason, empirical observation, and the scientific method. 

Drawing inspiration from Enlightenment thinkers like Auguste Comte, Comte sought to apply these principles to the study of society, advocating for the use of empirical observation and scientific methodologies to comprehend social phenomena. Comte's positivism insisted on deriving knowledge solely from observable facts, rejecting metaphysical speculation in favor of a scientific approach to understanding society.

Comte's positivist framework aimed to position sociology as a preeminent science, integrating diverse branches of knowledge to offer a comprehensive understanding of human society. He envisioned sociology as a discipline capable of attaining the same scientific rigor as the natural sciences, contributing to societal progress by uncovering its laws and dynamics.

This positivist foundation laid the groundwork for a systematic and empirical examination of social phenomena, distinguishing sociology from earlier, more speculative approaches to the study of society.

IGNOU MSO 002 Important Questions With Answers English Medium-A crucial aspect of Comte's positivism was his advocacy for the scientific method as the primary tool for acquiring knowledge about society. 

He championed systematic observation, experimentation, and the formulation of general laws as essential components of the scientific approach to social phenomena. This emphasis on empirical evidence and systematic observation became the cornerstone of sociology, guiding its development as a discipline with its own distinct methodologies and research techniques.

Comte's commitment to the scientific method also led to the conceptualization of a new social science, initially referred to as "social physics" and later renamed sociology. This discipline, according to Comte, would employ the scientific method to unveil the laws governing human behavior and social organization.

The establishment of sociology as a distinct discipline with its own methodologies and scientific principles marked a crucial milestone in the formalization of the science of society.

IGNOU MSO 002 Important Questions With Answers English Medium-In addition to his positivist philosophy and advocacy for the scientific method, Comte made significant contributions to the classification of the sciences. In works such as "Course in Positive Philosophy" and "System of Positive Polity," he proposed a hierarchical classification based on the complexity and generality of sciences. 

Comte categorized sciences into mathematical, physical, and social sciences, positioning sociology as a central social science between the more general physical sciences and the more specific social sciences.

Comte's classification of the sciences underscored the interconnectedness of different branches of knowledge and highlighted the unity of scientific inquiry. By assigning sociology a central place in this framework, he emphasized its legitimacy and importance as a scientific discipline. 

This hierarchical structure not only contributed to the institutionalization of sociology within academia but also provided a conceptual basis for integrating various social sciences.

IGNOU MSO 002 Important Questions With Answers English Medium-While Comte's contributions to the science of society were groundbreaking, they were not immune to criticism. Some argue that his positivist philosophy and strict adherence to the scientific method oversimplify the intricate nature of human behavior and society. 

Critics contend that social phenomena inherently involve subjectivity and values, making them resistant to the objectivity and neutrality advocated by Comte. Additionally, the exclusive focus on the scientific method may neglect qualitative aspects and subjective experiences, potentially limiting the scope of sociological inquiry.

Despite these criticisms, Auguste Comte's influence on sociology remains profound. His positivist philosophy, emphasis on the scientific method, and classification of the sciences laid a robust foundation for the emergence of sociology as a discipline. 

The positivist tradition initiated by Comte significantly shaped the trajectory of sociological thought and methodology, influencing scholars across generations who sought to apply scientific principles to the study of society. Comte's vision of sociology as a science of society continues to resonate, leaving an enduring legacy that has shaped the evolution of sociological theory and research methodologies. In this way, Auguste Comte's contributions endure as fundamental elements in the establishment and growth of the science of society.

Q.2 How does the researcher deal with his or her own values in the process of research ?

Q.3 What do you understand by the comparative method ? What are its advantages ?

Q.4 What is sampling ? Explain random sampling method with suitable examples.

Q.5 What is survey method ? Discuss its importance in social science methods.

Q.6 What is research design ? Outline the steps involved in research design.

Q.7 Discuss the relevance of quantitative research in sociology.

Q.8 Critically examine the feminist perspective in social science research

Q.9 What is ethnography ? Explain its importance in qualitative research.

Q.10 Discuss the retentionist and ethnic perspectives on the study of Indian diaspora.

Q.11 Examine the features of Indian emigration in the Caribbean.

Q.12 Discuss the Indian State Policy on diaspora in the Post-independence period.

Q.13 Examine the situation of Indian diaspora in Canada.

Q.14 Discuss the migration pattern from India to the Gulf countries.

Q.15 Examine the Organisational linkages between the Indian diaspora.

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