CBSE Class 11 Sociology NCERT Solutions: Chapter 5 - Doing Sociology: Research Methods

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

This chapter delves into the core principles of sociological research, focusing on the challenges and methods employed by sociologists to study society objectively. It addresses the inherent difficulties in maintaining neutrality when studying human behavior and social structures, given the subjective nature of social reality and the potential for researcher bias. The solutions explain key concepts like objectivity, reflexivity, and participant observation, providing insights into how sociologists strive for accurate and unbiased knowledge. Understanding these research methods is crucial for students to grasp the foundations of sociological inquiry and its application in real-world studies. These solutions are designed to aid students in their exam preparation by clarifying complex research methodologies.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 11
Subject	Sociology
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 5

Chapter summary

Chapter 5 of Class 11 Sociology NCERT Solutions focuses on the research methods used in sociology. It highlights the importance of scientific methods in sociology, the complexities of achieving objectivity in social sciences, and strategies like reflexivity to overcome these challenges. The chapter also explains participant observation as a key ethnographic technique. These solutions provide clear explanations of these fundamental research concepts, essential for understanding how sociological knowledge is generated.

Learning outcomes

Understand the importance of scientific methods in sociology.
Identify the challenges in achieving objectivity in social science research.
Explain the concept and significance of reflexivity in sociological studies.
Describe the process and purpose of participant observation.
Analyze how sociologists strive for unbiased research.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Scientific Method in Sociology
Importance of Scientific Method
Objectivity in Social Sciences
Challenges to Objectivity
Reflexivity
Self-Reflexivity
Participant Observation
Ethnography
Sociological Research
Research Methods
Subjectivity in Research
Multi-paradigmatic Nature of Sociology

Important topics

Objectivity in Sociology
Challenges to Objectivity
The Role of Reflexivity
Participant Observation Method
Importance of Scientific Methods

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Questions and Solutions

Q1

Why is the question of a scientific method particularly important in sociology?

Solution: The question of a scientific method is particularly important in sociology because it is the primary means by which sociologists acquire reliable and objective knowledge about society. Sociology deals with diverse human societies, cultures, opinions, and feelings. To study these complex phenomena without personal bias, sociologists aim to adopt an objective viewpoint. Influential sociologists like Emile Durkheim emphasized the necessity of a scientific approach for objective societal study. He even conducted a scientific study on suicide, proposing specific rules for sociological methods, underscoring the need for systematic and empirical investigation.

Q2

What are some of the reasons for 'objectivity' being more complicated in social sciences, particularly disciplines like sociology?

Solution: Objectivity, meaning to be unbiased, neutral, and based solely on facts, becomes more complicated in social sciences, especially sociology, for several reasons:

Researcher's Subjectivity: Like all humans, sociologists possess their own notions and perceptions, which can make it difficult to study different cultures and norms neutrally, potentially leading to incorrect research findings.
Personal Bias: When researching issues related to their own society, sociologists may unconsciously project their personal beliefs and notions onto the study, introducing bias despite efforts to be reflexive.
Multiple Versions of Truth: The social world is characterized by diverse perspectives. For instance, a boy and an old person might have different views on a particular issue, or a shopkeeper and a customer might disagree on a 'good price'. This lack of a single, universal truth makes it harder to arrive at objective conclusions.
Multi-paradigmatic Nature: Sociology is a 'multi-paradigmatic' science, meaning there are various schools of thought with potentially conflicting theories. This diversity of perspectives further complicates the pursuit of a singular, objective truth.

Q3

How do sociologists try to deal with these difficulties and strive for objectivity?

Solution: To address the challenges in achieving objectivity, sociologists employ several strategies. A key technique is 'self-reflexivity' or 'reflexivity', where the sociologist consciously examines their own attitudes, opinions, and potential biases from multiple perspectives. This involves continuous self-examination throughout the research process. Emphasis is also placed on thorough documentation of the research methodology and findings. This detailed record-keeping allows other researchers to retrace the steps, scrutinize the study, and helps the original sociologist to check and recheck their work. Sociologists also strive to understand and judge different conceptions and viewpoints held by the people they study. Ultimately, sociologists often view objectivity not as a final, achieved state, but as a goal that is part of a continuous, ongoing process of inquiry.

Q4

What is meant by 'reflexivity' and why is it important in sociology?

Solution: 'Reflexivity', also known as 'self-reflexivity', is a critical technique used in social science research, particularly sociology, to manage the inherent difficulties in achieving objectivity. It involves the social scientist being aware of and critically examining their own background, assumptions, biases, and perspectives, and how these might influence the research process and findings. This self-awareness allows the researcher to view different opinions and social phenomena in a more neutral and unbiased manner. Given that sociology is a multi-paradigmatic discipline with diverse schools of thought and that social reality is complex, reflexivity is vital for conducting rigorous and credible social research. It helps in acknowledging and mitigating potential subjective influences.

Q5

What are some of the things that ethnographers and sociologists do during participant observation?

Solution: Participant observation is a key ethnographic and sociological research method, often used for in-depth fieldwork that can last for extended periods, such as months or years. During participant observation, ethnographers and sociologists engage in several key activities:

Immersion: They typically live within or spend a substantial amount of time with the community or group they are researching.
Integration: The researcher aims to become, to a significant extent, a part of the community, adopting a role that allows for close observation and interaction.
Participation and Recording: They actively participate in the community's daily life, rituals, and customs, while simultaneously and regularly recording their observations, interactions, and reflections. This dual role of participation and observation is central to the method.

Common mistakes

Confusing objectivity with a lack of personal opinion entirely.
Underestimating the impact of researcher's own background on study.
Viewing reflexivity as a simple act of self-awareness rather than a methodological tool.
Misinterpreting participant observation as mere tourism or casual involvement.

Revision tips

Focus on the definitions and examples of objectivity and reflexivity.
Understand the practical steps involved in participant observation.
Relate the challenges of objectivity to real-world sociological studies.
Practice explaining these concepts in your own words for clarity.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Why is the question of a scientific method particularly important in sociology?

Q2. What does 'objectivity' mean in the context of social sciences?

Q3. Which technique do sociologists use to deal with the problem of objectivity?

Q4. What is a key characteristic of participant observation?

Q5. Why is objectivity considered more complicated in sociology compared to natural sciences?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main purpose of using scientific methods in sociology?

Scientific methods are crucial in sociology to acquire objective knowledge about societies, ensuring that research is systematic, evidence-based, and free from personal biases.

Why is achieving objectivity difficult in sociology?

Objectivity is challenging in sociology because researchers are human and may have pre-conceived notions. Additionally, social reality itself is complex, with multiple perspectives and 'truths', making it hard to remain completely neutral.

How does reflexivity help sociologists?

Reflexivity, or self-reflexivity, helps sociologists by encouraging them to continuously examine their own attitudes, biases, and assumptions, thereby improving the objectivity and rigor of their research.

What does a sociologist do during participant observation?

During participant observation, sociologists immerse themselves in the community they are studying, often living or spending significant time with its members, participating in their activities, and recording observations.

Is it possible for sociologists to be completely objective?

While complete objectivity might be an ideal difficult to achieve, sociologists strive for it by employing techniques like reflexivity, rigorous documentation, and critical self-examination, viewing objectivity as an ongoing process rather than a final state.

What is the significance of Chapter 5 for Class 11 Sociology students?

Chapter 5 is significant as it introduces students to the fundamental principles and challenges of sociological research, equipping them with an understanding of how sociological knowledge is generated and validated.

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