Sociology Discussion Thread for 2016 Mains

race

@akrao_iimb I haven't read research methodology much(Only few random chapters from MA IGNOU). But from my limited knowledge, I can say that qualitative and quantitative methods are not considered dichotomous these days.They are, of course,dichotomous at epistemological level. Human behaviour isn't quantifiable and qualitative methods have their own issues like lack of objectivity. And that's why mixed methods are being used these days. In this case, I would prefer as @barghav mentions in his last point, Quantitative method (questionnaire and surveys) with some space for subjective response.

Regarding whether surveys and questionnaires come under qualitative or quantitative method, yes they fall under quantitative methods. But technically, we can use either qualitative or quantitative or both the methods depending on our requirements.

Open-ended questions?
We could go for Social Surveys (Haralambos).

Sorry? I didn't get you.. : D :P

It's (Open-ended questions) another term for 'subjective response'
There's a topic social surveys in the methodology chapter of the old Haralambos (Heald). I found it suitable to study consumer behaviour.

ingénue

@akrao_iimb I haven't read research methodology much(Only few random chapters from MA IGNOU). But from my limited knowledge, I can say that qualitative and quantitative methods are not considered dichotomous these days.They are, of course,dichotomous at epistemological level. Human behaviour isn't quantifiable and qualitative methods have their own issues like lack of objectivity. And that's why mixed methods are being used these days. In this case, I would prefer as @barghav mentions in his last point, Quantitative method (questionnaire and surveys) with some space for subjective response.

Regarding whether surveys and questionnaires come under qualitative or quantitative method, yes they fall under quantitative methods. But technically, we can use either qualitative or quantitative or both the methods depending on our requirements.

Open-ended questions?
We could go for Social Surveys (Haralambos).

Sorry? I didn't get you.. : D :P

It's (Open-ended questions) another term for 'subjective response'
There's a topic social surveys in the methodology chapter of the old Haralambos (Heald). I found it suitable to study consumer behaviour.

Lolz. I am not yet a graduate. Have been studying sociology for two years . I don't know much about CSE. I knew it was heading towards social survey but then I would like to know which kind of social survey would you prefer among descriptive and analytical and why? I don't know how to frame answers for CSE and I thought if we delve into such details then the answer would be less focussed on which method would I employ and more on how will I use it.What do you think, Sir?

race

@akrao_iimb I haven't read research methodology much(Only few random chapters from MA IGNOU). But from my limited knowledge, I can say that qualitative and quantitative methods are not considered dichotomous these days.They are, of course,dichotomous at epistemological level. Human behaviour isn't quantifiable and qualitative methods have their own issues like lack of objectivity. And that's why mixed methods are being used these days. In this case, I would prefer as @barghav mentions in his last point, Quantitative method (questionnaire and surveys) with some space for subjective response.

Regarding whether surveys and questionnaires come under qualitative or quantitative method, yes they fall under quantitative methods. But technically, we can use either qualitative or quantitative or both the methods depending on our requirements.

Open-ended questions?
We could go for Social Surveys (Haralambos).

Sorry? I didn't get you.. : D :P

It's (Open-ended questions) another term for 'subjective response'
There's a topic social surveys in the methodology chapter of the old Haralambos (Heald). I found it suitable to study consumer behaviour.

Lolz. I am not yet a graduate. Have been studying sociology for two years . I don't know much about CSE. I knew it was heading towards social survey but then I would like to know which kind of social survey would you prefer among descriptive and analytical and why? I don't know how to frame answers for CSE and I thought if we delve into such details then the answer would be less focussed on which method would I employ and more on how will I use it.What do you think, Sir?

Agree with your approach.

nick31

hii guys if anyone have some good videos of sociology and can share with me plzz do
it i need it for CSE2017 I am leaving my email and phone number here plz contact me on nitinsingh3189@gmail.com,7573085162.

Sangu82

Bro Parson is beyond my understanding. The more I read it, the more I get confused. I will refer to previous year questions and just mug up from internet.

I agree....Parsons is one of the most complex thinkers out there....I took 2 years to truly understand him. Finally, I can say, that IGNOU ESO 13 on Parsons is the best resource but it can be tough to understand. I also read, from Harlambos and Ritzer. Agree, hands down, Parson is a tough nut to crack.

Sangu82

Guys I wrote mains this year with socio optional.I completed visionIAS test series as well as Nice IAStest series,But I still have some doubts in some of the topics.Can any senior candidate, who has written mains 2-3 times with socio optional,clear my doubts and guide me personally with his experience.
We are a group of 2-3 students staying in Delhi.We are also ready to pay the negotiable amount.I think it should not take more than 4-5 sittings,,so pls help us.

can you suggest me which test series is good for socio(vision or niceias). i wrote mains in 2015 with socio optional and scored 202 . i attended mahapatra sir classes and test series. please guide me brother.

@invinclefighters I will be happy to take your questions. Message me if you are interested.

bestattempt

Guys I wrote mains this year with socio optional.I completed visionIAS test series as well as Nice IAStest series,But I still have some doubts in some of the topics.Can any senior candidate, who has written mains 2-3 times with socio optional,clear my doubts and guide me personally with his experience.
We are a group of 2-3 students staying in Delhi.We are also ready to pay the negotiable amount.I think it should not take more than 4-5 sittings,,so pls help us.

can you suggest me which test series is good for socio(vision or niceias). i wrote mains in 2015 with socio optional and scored 202 . i attended mahapatra sir classes and test series. please guide me brother.

@invinclefighters I will be happy to take your questions. Message me if you are interested.

@abhisheknewton how is mohapatra sirs test series. I am back home after clases will it be worth it to go back to delhi just to attend his test series as for gs vision is available online.
@invinciblefighters what is your review of vision ias test series for Socio?I am thinking of joing online one.

Himalayan State

Good list of Sociology related interview questions

http://www.iasfunda.com/2017/03/16/sociology-optional-interview-questions/

niksvins

Does anyone here has mahapatra or upendra sir's recorded audio lectures?

BlackForest123

Can anyone please tell me a good test series where teacher gives individual attention on answer writing ( no need of content, I only need writing improvement). Please don't include Vikash Ranjan, Bhibhash Sharma and Nice IAS. Anyone between :-
1. Aditya Mongra
2. Vision IAS
3. Or someone else