Doing Sociology: Research Methods | Class 11 Sociology Notes
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 2 min read
Doing Sociology: Research Methods – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of Doing Sociology: Research Methods from Class 11 Sociology, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.
INTRODUCTION
Sociology is termed a social science because it studies society and social phenomena through scientific methods. Unlike many other disciplines, sociology deals with aspects of life that are familiar to everyone since all individuals live within a society and have personal experiences of social groups, institutions, norms, and relationships. However, what distinguishes a sociologist from an ordinary member of society is the method used to acquire knowledge. Sociologists do not just rely on personal experience or common sense; they employ systematic procedures to gather and analyze data, ensuring that their knowledge claims are scientific and reliable. This emphasis on method is crucial because sociology seeks to understand both observable social phenomena and the subjective experiences of individuals involved. For example, when studying friendship, religion, or market bargaining, sociologists aim to comprehend not only the external behaviors but also the meanings, feelings, and interpretations of the people engaged in these activities. This dual perspective—outsider’s observation and insider’s viewpoint—makes methodological rigor particularly important in sociology.
🔗 Connection: Leads to the next section on methodological issues, discussing the challenges and principles of scientific knowledge production in sociology.
Frequently asked questions
Why is sociology called a social science despite dealing with familiar aspects of everyday life?
Sociology is called a social science because it uses systematic scientific methods to study society and social phenomena, rather than relying solely on personal experience or common sense. For example, sociologists gather data through research methods to understand social groups, institutions, and relationships scientifically.
What is the difference between 'method' and 'methodology' in sociology?
Method refers to the specific procedures or techniques used to gather data in sociology, while methodology is the study of these methods and the general problems of scientific knowledge-gathering beyond any one method. For example, methodology addresses how to ensure objectivity and validity in research.
In sociology, why is achieving objectivity more challenging than in natural sciences?
Objectivity is harder in sociology because sociologists study the social world they themselves are part of, which can lead to personal biases and influence from their own social context. For example, a sociologist studying a caste different from their own may be affected by prevailing societal attitudes.
What is 'self-reflexivity' in sociological research and why is it important?
Self-reflexivity is the process by which sociologists continuously examine and question their own assumptions, attitudes, and biases during research. It is important because it helps reduce personal bias and allows researchers to adopt the perspective of others, improving the validity of their findings.
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Clear NCERT-aligned notes on INDIAN SOCIOLOGISTS for Class 11 Sociology.
- INDIAN SOCIOLOGISTS | Class 11 Sociology Notes
Clear NCERT-aligned notes on INDIAN SOCIOLOGISTS for Class 11 Sociology.