NCERT Class 12 Sociology Indian Society: Chapter 7 — Doing Sociology: Practical Research Projects
This chapter from NCERT Class 12 Sociology, 'Indian Society,' introduces practical research projects for students. It emphasizes the value of hands-on experience in sociological research, highlighting both the excitement and challenges involved. The chapter guides students on selecting appropriate research methods, considering technical compatibility and practical constraints like time and resources. It uses the example of comparing co-educational schools with single-sex schools to illustrate how to formulate specific research questions and choose methods such as interviews or direct observation. The goal is to provide students with a feel for research, encouraging them to develop their own ideas in consultation with teachers, thereby enhancing their understanding of sociological inquiry.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Sociology |
| Book | Indian Society |
| Chapter | Chapter 7 — Doing Sociology: Practical Research Projects |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 525 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the difference between reading about research and conducting it.
- Identify potential challenges in organizing research activities for large student groups.
- Learn to formulate specific research questions from broad topics.
- Recognize the importance of selecting appropriate research methods.
- Consider practical constraints (time, resources) when choosing research methods.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sociological research | The systematic study of human society and social interactions. |
| Research method | A systematic procedure or technique used to conduct research. |
| Formulate | To devise or express systematically and coherently. |
| Co-educational | Involving students of both sexes. |
| Single-sex schools | Schools exclusively for boys or exclusively for girls. |
| Interview | A conversation where questions are asked to gather information. |
| Direct observation | Watching and recording behavior or phenomena as they occur. |
| Technical criteria | Standards related to the specific skills or knowledge required for a task. |
| Practical considerations | Factors related to feasibility, availability, and real-world application. |
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Practice questions
- What is the main difference between reading about research and doing research? Answer: Reading about research is theoretical, while doing research involves practical experience of answering questions and collecting evidence systematically.
- What are the two main criteria for selecting a research method? Answer: Technical criteria (compatibility between question and method) and practical considerations (time, resources, circumstances).
- Give an example of a specific research question comparing co-educational and single-sex schools. Answer: Are children in single-sex schools happier than children in co-educational schools?
- Name two research methods that could be used to answer the question about happiness in schools. Answer: Interviewing students or direct observation of student behavior.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What is the primary goal of the projects suggested in this chapter?
Explanation: The chapter explicitly states that the projects are intended 'just to give you a feel for research' and are not as elaborate as 'real' research projects.
Q2. According to the text, what is one of the first tasks of a researcher after specifying the research question?
Explanation: The text states, 'One of the first tasks of the researcher – after carefully specifying the research question – is to select a suitable method.'
Q3. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a practical consideration for choosing a research method?
Explanation: The text lists time, resources, and circumstances as practical considerations, but not the researcher's personal preference.
Q4. If a researcher wants to compare co-educational schools with single-sex schools, what is the first step after identifying the broad topic?
Explanation: The text explains that after identifying a broad topic, the researcher 'must first formulate a specific question that you want to answer.'
Q5. Direct observation involves:
Explanation: The chapter defines direct observation as spending time in schools 'observing how students behave.'
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of the practical research projects suggested in NCERT Class 12 Sociology Chapter 5?
The projects are designed to give students practical experience and a feel for sociological research, highlighting its excitement and difficulties.
What should a researcher do after specifying a research question?
The researcher should select a suitable research method that aligns with both the question and practical constraints.
What factors should be considered when selecting a research method?
Selection should be based on technical criteria (compatibility of question and method) and practical considerations like time, resources, and circumstances.
Can a single research question be answered by multiple methods?
Yes, the text mentions that a given question may be answered with more than one method, but the choice is usually limited.
What is the difference between co-educational schools and single-sex schools?
Co-educational schools admit both boys and girls, while single-sex schools admit only boys or only girls.
What are two research methods mentioned for studying student happiness in schools?
The two methods mentioned are interviewing students and direct observation of student behavior.
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NCERT Class 12 Sociology — Indian Society — Chapter 7 — Doing Sociology: Practical Research Projects. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.