NCERT Class 11 Sociology Introducing Sociology: Chapter 5 — INTRODUCING SOCIOLOGY
This chapter, 'Doing Sociology: Research Methods,' from NCERT's 'Introducing Sociology' for Class 11, emphasizes the critical role of methodology in sociological research. It explains that sociology, as a social science, studies the familiar social world, making it distinct from natural sciences. The chapter highlights the importance of method in acquiring knowledge, differentiating sociologists from laypersons. It delves into key methodological issues, particularly the challenge of objectivity due to the sociologist's own social embeddedness. The text discusses bias, the difference between objectivity and subjectivity, and introduces the concept of 'self-reflexivity' as a technique to guard against personal influences. Understanding these research methods is crucial for students to grasp how sociological knowledge is systematically gathered and validated within the CBSE curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Sociology |
| Book | Introducing Sociology |
| Chapter | Chapter 5 — INTRODUCING SOCIOLOGY |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 785 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand why method is crucial in sociology.
- Differentiate sociology from other disciplines and laypersons.
- Identify methodological issues in social science research.
- Explain the concepts of objectivity and subjectivity in sociology.
- Define and understand the importance of self-reflexivity in sociological research.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Phenomena | Facts or situations that are observed to exist or happen, especially those whose causes or explanations are not yet known. |
| Sociologist | An expert in sociology. |
| Method | A particular procedure for accomplishing or approaching something, especially a systematic or established one. |
| Science | The intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. |
| Objectivity | Lack of bias, neutrality, or being based on facts alone. |
| Subjectivity | Based on individual values and preferences. |
| Bias | Prejudice in favour of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair. |
| Self-reflexivity | The examination of one's own ideas and feelings about the subject of research; looking at oneself and one's research through the eyes of others. |
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Practice questions
- Why is method particularly important in sociology? Answer: Method is important in sociology because sociologists study the social world in which they themselves live, and they need systematic procedures to gather knowledge and ensure objectivity, distinguishing their work from that of laypersons.
- What is the difference between objectivity and subjectivity in research? Answer: Objectivity means being unbiased and based on facts alone, ignoring personal feelings. Subjectivity means being based on individual values and preferences.
- What is 'self-reflexivity' in sociology? Answer: Self-reflexivity is a technique where a sociologist rigorously examines their own ideas and feelings about the research subject and tries to view their work through the eyes of others to guard against bias.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What is the primary focus of sociological study, as mentioned in the chapter?
Explanation: The chapter states that sociology is deeply interested in the lived experience of people, including their opinions and feelings.
Q2. What distinguishes a sociologist from a layperson, according to the text?
Explanation: The text emphasizes that the crucial element making a sociologist a social scientist is the method or procedures through which knowledge is gathered.
Q3. Which term refers to the study of method itself?
Explanation: The chapter defines 'methodology' as the study of method, encompassing general problems of scientific knowledge-gathering.
Q4. What is a major challenge for objectivity in social sciences like sociology?
Explanation: Because sociologists live in the social world they study, their personal biases and experiences can pose a challenge to objectivity.
Q5. The word 'objective' in everyday language means:
Explanation: The chapter explains that 'objective' in everyday language means unbiased, neutral, or based on facts alone, requiring the ignoring of personal feelings.
Frequently asked questions
What makes sociology a social science?
Sociology is called a social science because it deals with society and human relations, and uses systematic methods to gather and analyze knowledge about the social world.
Why is 'method' so important in sociology?
Method is crucial because it defines how sociologists acquire knowledge, distinguishing their scientific approach from everyday understanding and helping to ensure the validity and reliability of their findings.
What is the main problem sociologists face regarding objectivity?
The main problem is that sociologists are part of the society they study, which can lead to personal biases and preferences influencing their research.
How do sociologists try to overcome bias?
They use techniques like rigorous self-examination of their own ideas and feelings, and practice 'self-reflexivity' to view their research from an outsider's perspective.
What does 'self-reflexivity' mean in sociology?
Self-reflexivity means a sociologist constantly examines their own biases and assumptions and tries to understand how their personal background might affect their research.
Is sociology subjective or objective?
Sociology aims for objectivity by relying on facts and systematic methods, but it also acknowledges subjectivity, as the researcher's own experiences and values can influence the study. The goal is to manage and account for these influences.
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NCERT Class 11 Sociology — Introducing Sociology — Chapter 5 — INTRODUCING SOCIOLOGY. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.