Methods of Sociological Enquiry

Paper Code: 
25SSOC501
Credits: 
4
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

Course Objective: The course will enable the students to gain understanding of methodologies of sociological research. It will also provide basic knowledge of the complexities and philosophical underpinnings of research.

 

12.00
Course Outcomes: 

Course

Learning outcome

(at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course

Title

25SSOC501

Methods of Sociological Enquiry

(Theory)

CO1: Examine the logic of social research and modes of enquiry

CO2: Evaluate the philosophical ideas underlying the emergence of different research approaches

CO3: Develop skills for the application of ethnographic and focus group method

CO4: Develop skills for for using historical, evolutionary  and mixed methods research

CO5: Develop requisite skills for  interpreting qualitative and quantitative  data

CO6: Contribute effectively to course specific interaction

Approach in teaching: Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Tutorials

 

 

Learning activities for the students: Reading assignments, Self- learning assignments, Effective questions,Seminar presentation analysis of research papers

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Solving problems in tutorials, Assignments, Presentation, Group projects

 

Unit I: 
Unit I: The Logic of Social Research

·       Concept, Objectivity in Social Sciences, Reflexivity

Modes of enquiry: Theory and Research 

12.00
Unit II: 
UNIT II: Research Approaches
  • Positivistic, Interpretative and Critical

 

12.00
Unit III: 
UNIT III: Methodological Perspectives I
  • Ethnographic Method, Focus Group Discussion

 

12.00
Unit IV: 
UNIT IV: Methodological Perspectives II
  •  Historical method, Evolutionary method
  •  Mixed methods research: Concept, Approaches

 

12.00
Unit V: 
UNIT V : Analyzing Data
  • Quantitative: Concept, Types of variables, Reliability and Validity
  • Qualitative: Concept, Steps,Contents Analysis, Narrative Analysis

 

Essential Readings: 

Essential Readings:

  • Bryman, A, 2012, (4th Edition). Social Research Methods, Oxford: Oxford University Press
  • Kothari, C.R. 2004. (2nd Edition). Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques, New Delhi: New Age International
  • Young, P.V. 1988. Scientific Social Surveys and Research. New Delhi: Prentice Hall.
  • Ahuja. Ram. 2006, Research Methods, Jaipur: Rawat Publications.

 

 

References: 

SUGGESTED BOOKS:

·     Jayaram, N. 1989. Sociology: Methods and Theory. Madras: McMillan.

·     Babbie, E.R. 2006, the Practice of Social Research, Wadsworth Publishing Company.

·     Sarantakos, S. 2005, Social Research, Palgrave MacMillan.

·     Galtung, John. 1967, Theory and Methods of Social Research. New York: George Allen & Unwin

·     Goode,W.J.&Hatt, P.K. 1952, Methods in Social Research, New York : McGraw Hill

·     Wilkinson and Bhandarkar, Methodology and Techniques of Social Research, New Delhi: Himalaya Publishing House.

 

E-RESOURCES:

·       https://www.jmu.edu/uwc/files/link-library/empirical/method_section_over...

·       https://ndl.iitkgp.ac.in/homestudy/humanities

·       https://www.gcsnc.com/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=1...

eName=chap02.pdf

Academic Session: 
2025-26
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