Variables, sampling, hypothesis, reliability, and validity
Key points
- Independent and dependent variables
- Sampling techniques
- Probability and non-probability sampling
- Formulation of hypothesis
- Reliability measures
- Validity measures
Previous year questions
Questions asked from this topic in UPSC Sociology Optional:
- What is a variable in social research? What are their different types? Elaborate
- What do you mean by reliability? Discuss the importance of reliability in socialscience research.
- What is hypothesis? Critically evaluate the significance of hypothesis in social research.
- What is sampling in the context of social research? Discuss different forms of sampling with their relative advantages and disadvantages.
- How does the dramaturgical perspective enable our understanding of everyday life?
- What are variables? How do they facilitate research?
- The difference between information and data in social science is subtle. Comment.
- Explain the different types of non-probability sampling techniques. Bring out the conditions of their usage with appropriate examples.
- Suggest measures to minimize the influence of the researcher in the process of collecting data through focus group discussion.
- What is reliability? Explain the different tests available to social science researchers to establish reliability.
- Discuss the importance and source of hypothesis in social research.
- Explain the probability sampling strategies with examples.
- Illustrate with example the significance of variables in sociological research.
- How can one resolve the issue of reliability and validity in the context of sociological research on inequality?
- Examine the Problems of maintaining objectivity and value neutrality in Social Science research.
- Why is random sampling said to have more reliability and validity in research?