2

stages of social research

(Steps of Social Research)
In this chapter we will learn:
"Stages of social
research
"Selection and planning of research program
The nature of social research is scientific and
that is why a researcher
studies any problem or incident according to the scientific
method.
This type of scientific study, as we have already written, cannot be done
arbitrarily, nor can any logical and empirical conclusion be reached by
running imaginary horses or by resorting to philosophical ideas. August
Comte is of the firm opinion that "speculation' has no place in scientific
study." That is why every science adopts one or more definite and well
organized study systems for its empirical study work. These are called
methods and these methods are the basis of scientific research.
Steps of Social
Research
The main stages of social research are exactly the same as the main stages of
scientific method. The stages of social research can be presented as follows
(1) Selection of Topic - First of all, a topic is
selected which is to be studied. While choosing the topic, it is
kept in mind whether the topic is practical from the research point
of view or not. Also, it has to be kept in mind that the
subject to be studied. Its area should not be so wide that its relations
 16
social soap bars
It may seem impossible to study at all in the future or whatever study is
done may be so scattered that no real conclusion is possible from it. New Con

researchers often make this mistake.

(2) Study of related Research Books -After choosing
the topic, it is necessary that we study other research books related
to that topic and familiarize ourselves with the ideas of other
researchers. Become familiar with the findings and methods. Having done this, P.V.
According to Young. () to gain an insight and general knowledge regarding the
subject of study. (i) to use methods that prove useful in research work, (i) to formulate
hypotheses and (iv) to develop a This can help us in avoiding the mistake
of repeating the research work and paying attention to those aspects related
to the topic which other researchers have not paid attention to.
stages of social research

choice of topic

Study of related research books

Defining units T
hypothesis formulation

Determining sources and methods of information

facts inspection and compilation of

Classification and tabulation of facts

Conclusion and formulation of rules

(3) Defining the Units of Research - The third step in

this direction is to define the units related to the study. Often the
have not been
researcher faces great difficulty in his study because the units
clear also means
explained in the beginning. The meaning of all the units being
clarification of the aim and scope of the study. housing, unemployment, stress
 steps of social research 65 1
etc. may seem very simple, but if they are not clearly defined in the beginning,
then later it will be seen that different informants will give different
meanings to these words and provide such information in their own
way. Which, instead of proving helpful in future research work, only makes
it unclear.
(4) Building of Hypothesis - The fourth house of social research
is the building of hypothesis. After acquiring primary
knowledge
regarding his research subject, the researcher formulates a theory or conclusion
regarding which he imagines that that theory can possibly prove to be the
basis of his study. Once the hypothesis is clarified, the scope of the
research
work becomes definite and it helps the researcher to move
forward in his study.
Whether the hypothesis is proved to be true or false, in both the
cases research
work is helpful in increasing knowledge.
(5) Determining Sources of Information and Methods -
After
formulating the hypothesis, it is necessary to determine the sources of
information and methods useful for the study. To determine whether
the hypothesis is true or not, collection of facts is
necessary. These facts
'speak' for themselves as to what is right and what is wrong. To collect
facts, he has to decide from which sources he can get reliable
information
or facts and whether those sources are within his
reach or not. After
thinking about the sources of information, according to the nature of the
research topic, those methods have to be selected which will be useful in the
research work.

(6) Examinig and Collection of Data - After the methods and

techniques are selected, the actual research work begins when the work
of inspection and collection of facts is started. Along with inspection,
recording also continues so that the nature of the facts remains
unchanged.
(7) Classification and Tabulation of Data - After
collecting the facts, they have to be classified into certain orders and
categories to make them really useful for research work. Classification
clarifies many unclear aspects related to the subject because it not only reduces
the pile of scattered unrelated facts, but as a result of arranging them
in definite sequences, they acquire a scientific form. The mutual
relationship of facts also becomes clear after classification.
 18

(8)
Stages of social research
stage of Conclusion and
social research isRecommendation - The last
is possible after conclusion and formulation of rules, which
definitely known classification and analysis of facts. At this
whether hypothesis is right or wrong. But
the stage it becomes
to increase it is possible
knowledge and prosperity of science.
Selection and Planning
of Research Project
Following are the main practical points or facts to be
research program: considered for the success of the
(1) Preliminary Knowledge of
written that 'Early knowledge of the Research Topic-Prof. Park has
research subject is as important to the
as familiarity with the
physical conditions of the patient is to the researcher
doctor" Initial knowledge is the foundation on which a successful
huge palace of research
stands. If the foundation is strong, the palace will
if the researcher has preliminary also be strong. Similarly.
success in his work.
knowledge of it, then he will definitely achieve
(2)
Precaution in the Selection of the Topic - The second
important step to the success of research is adequate care in the
of the topic. Ogburn has written in
this
selection
regard that "We should not choose
such a topic for research on which
evidence is not available or the topic is
very vague or the topic is out of reach." While
we should estimate how much choosing the topic,
accuracy will be achieved in the research topic.
We should also avoid choosing such
subjects which can be affected
by mental conditions.
(3) Precautions in Determining the Scope - The third
important precaution is related to determining the research area. The area should
neither be too large nor to0 small. If the area is large, it will be difficult
to complete the work. On the contrary, if the area is
small, our research
findings will not be universal.
Because the conclusions drawn from this will also be unclear. Therefore, it is clear that
one should be very careful while determining the research area.
(4) Interpretation of Research Units - After selecting the
topic and area, the researcher explains the various units related to his research. For

example, young men, child marriage, children, community, rural,

marital adjustment, deviance etc. In this regard, P.V. Young wrote that,
 Hindi

19

stages of social degeneration

observation
defined units become the basis not only for accurate
"Clearly
also for accurate measurement and comparison as the study garbage in
but definitions, we collect only
progresses. Without analysis and correct in accumulation of considerable
inauthentic units result
our studies. Vague and
useless material."
Difficulties-Many
(5) Understanding of Future Before starting his work, the researcher
difficulties arise in research work.
should get information about what difficulties may arise in carrying
aware of these difficulties,
out the research work. If the researcher is
research
it will save labour, time and money and thus the
familiar
work willbe conducted smoothly. For example, if he is
free
with the difficulties of interview and field-work, he will be
from many troubles.
(6) Selection of Method - Based on the nature of the
research, the researcher should decide with the help of which methods he will
conduct his research work. Once he has selected the method, he should
try it and see whether he will be able to complete his research work with
the help of this method or not. If some modification is required in the
method, then that should also be done. About the method to be used
It is also mandatory to obtain scientific information.
(7) Estimation of Sources (Accessibility of Sources) -After selecting
the method, the researcher should estimate the fact that what are the sources for
collecting the information of research facts? That is, through which means will the
facts related to the research topic be obtained? Where will data and evidence related to the
topic be available? The researcher should not only know about the sources, but he should
also know whether he will be able to reach the sources or not. V. M. Palmer
has written that, "Sometimes due to reaching the source of facts, the research work
has to be stopped for a long time or some aspect of the universe remains untouched.
The researcher needs to understand this fact. Being aware of it is the first
condition of its success."

(8) Pilot Study and Pre-testing - For social research it is necessary

that the researcher should have knowledge of previous studies and pre-testing.
This will give him information about the difficulties faced in study and
possible options. Along with this, he willalso have knowledge of the main features
of the subject and the estimated time and money for study. pre-tested
 20 stages of social research

The support will enable us to test and improve study methods and tools.
Aikaf has considered prior study and pre-testing to be essential for the success
of social research.
(9) Time and Cost Estimate - Before starting the research work, the
researcher should estimate the time and expense. Social research takes a lot of
both time and money. Therefore, it becomes necessary to make predictions
about these two in advance. The researcher should be conscious of the fact that more
expenditure should not be incurred on any one item than estimated and
there should not be shortage of money and time for any item. Therefore
the researcher should prepare a time table and budget.
(10) Selection and Training of Personnel - Due to the
vastness of the research area, it is difficult for the researcher to collect the
facts himself. In such a situation he has to take help from many workers.
The success of research work depends on these workers. Therefore, it becomes
necessary to be cautious in the selection of these research workers. It is
also necessary to be aware of the nature of the research topic, its goals
and research methods. It is mandatory to train the workers before sending them to
the field. In this way, by selecting good workers and training them, research
work can be taken towards success.

(11) Research Administration- In case of huge scale of

research work, organization is essential for its success. Due to the size of the
shop, many workers are required. Therefore, it becomes necessary that the
organization, operation and administration of these workers be done in a
systematic manner. If allthese things are decided in advance, then the research work
goes on smoothly and there is no problem in it.
(12) To get ourselves ready -For the success of research work, it is
necessary that the researcher prepares himself also. This preparation should be done
from all the physical, mental and financial points of view. The preparation of
the shopkeeper is based on his personal qualities. The approach of the researcher should be
scientific. in the absence of scientific approach, the success of research is doubtful. The
researcher should keep his mentality separate from the parameters of partiality, bias,
ideals, values, preconceptions, fair and unfair, good and bad etc.
 Hindi English

3
Objectivity and subjectivity in
social research
(Objectivity and Subjectivity in Social Research)
le
at In this chapter we will learn:
Meaning and definitions of objectivity
Importance of objectivity in social research
Difficulties in achieving objectivity insocial research
atter
Difficulties inachieving objectivity in social research
"Subjectivity in social research
it
Studying a particular phenomenon "as it actually is" is called
'objective study'. On the contrary, thinking about a
subject 'arbitrarily" or giving a biased decision about an event or
presenting descriptive details about it is called 'subjective study. In
subjective study, thought or sentiment is dominant whereas in
objective study, fact is dominant. Subjective study is descriptive.
Objective study is analytical. The findings of a subjective
study are the product of the researcher's own mind whereas an objective
study is based on actual observation, testing and analysis of actual
facts. In subjective study the person speaks whereas in objective
study the facts themselves speak. In subjective study the truth is veiled
whereas in objective study the truth is discovered.
That is why science, which is a means of discovering truth, considers
objective study as its basis and is always conscious of achieving objectivity.
 ,Objectivity and subjectivity in social exploitation 23
But achieving objectivity is not easy because a person observes and examines social
events through his senses and every person's thinking will not be the same towards
those social events. For example, the way one person sees the incident of
indiscipline among students, it is not necessary that another person also
sees it in the same way. In this context, Lundberg has mentioned the three main
reasons for diversity in the following manner:
(1) The power to perceive any event depends largely on training
and other physical and mental conditions and all these vary from
person to person.

(2) Our response to any event is affected by physical and

environmental conditions, such as fatigue, age, temperature etc.
(3) How we will perceive a particular event and how we will
analyze it depends on our previous experiences. 'Man observes from
his past experiences. Not every person has the same past
experiences.

That is why every person is neither able to see any event

objectively nor
equally. For this reason, achieving objectivity in social research is difficult. Before
discussing further in this regard, it would be appropriate to
of objectivity. understand the meaning
Meaning and definitions of objectivity
(Meaning and Definitions of Objectivity)
In short, objectivity is the collection and
form through neutral and unbiased
analysis of facts in their actual
is the act of seeing and
observation. In other words, objectivity
analyzing any fact or event "as it is" by
abandoning one's own feelings, thoughts, ideals and beliefs of
right and wrong. Objectivity is to reveal the
this sense, objectivity is related to the reality of events. In
search
The researcher sees only the truth. for truth. having an objective view
This will become more clear from the
following
Karr-"The objectivity of truth means that the world definitions
of events is not
There is a reality independent of the subject to any
all of which we obtain not individual's beliefs, hopes or fears,
through insight and imagination but through
actual observation."
Green - "Objectivityis the willingness and ability to
impartially." examine evidence
 Objectivity and subjectivity in social science
On the basis of the above discussion, we can say that objectivity is the condition
of scientific research in which the reality of various events or facts of the
world is revealed and knowledge of the truth is possible for us. The reality of the
phenomenal world is the key to the discovery of truth and objectivity is a means
to reveal allthe mysteries with the same key. Thus, objectivity is the
cornerstone of scientific research. Therefore, along with understanding the importance of
objectivity, difficulties in achieving it and the means to achieve it, we also have to understand
the concept of subjectivity in social research.
Importance of Objectivity in Social
Research: It is clear that
without objectivity, scientific research is not only meaningless and
But it is also purposeless. In the absence of objectivity the reality of facts is a distant
The dream persists. Therefore, to know the truth of the events, in the study work
It is important to have objectivity. This will become more clear from the
following
discussion -(1) To provide scientific status to sociology (To Attribute
Scientific Status to Sociology) - Many scholars make the mistake
of not considering sociology as a true science on the basis that
objective study
is not or cannot be done in sociology. Because of this
misconception,
many scholars refuse to accept sociology as a true science.
Therefore,
to end this wrong belief, there is a need today that we should be
more and more alert to achieve objectivity in the field of social research. This is
the only appropriate way to provide scientific status to sociology. Therefore,
objectivity is necessary to achieve this objective.
(2) To achieve unbiased conclusions -The first requirement
of social research is objectivity, without which it is not
possible for the researcher to reach unbiased conclusions. Objectivity itself means
finding out the realities of events without being biased. Therefore, it is
not possible for the researcher to reach reliable conclusions unless he has
the ability to conduct objective study or research. Therefore, to
maintain the meaningfulness of social research, achieving objectivity is very
important.
(3) For the Advancement of Knowledge about Social
Phenomena - As is clear from the meaning of
objectivity, it is the foundation stone of attainment of real knowledge.
 Objectivity and subjectivity in social research 25
Without this foundation, the prosperity of our present
knowledge base is not possible.
Removing the darkness of ignorance is the biggest religion of science and
no sociologist can follow this religion unless he
takes the help of
objectivity.
(4) To get Adequate Representative Facts -Our
and the conclusions obtained from it become wrong research work
only when we do not adopt an objective approach andand misleading
and analyze social events through our instead study
imagination. it on the basis of
hope or despair. Therefore, it is necessary to use
Do
study the existing facts and their realities related objectivity to accurately
to the subject.
(5) For Successful Use of Scientific
of scientific method in the study of social Method - Adoption
phenomena is the first condition
for the accuracy of the study. This
means that whether any study will be
right or wrong will depend on whether the
researchers are using the
scientific method properly or not. Therefore, if our objective is the
use of the scientific method, then we will have to try successful
to bring objectivity in our study.
Without adopting an objective approach, the scientific
to lead us to true
method will not be able
conclusions.
(6) For Verification - The book meets the
test of social research science
which we can re-examine at any time. The element of
an essential condition of scientificity and
re-examination or verification is
fulfillment of this condition is not possible
without adopting an objective approach. The reality of facts should always be
examination and re-examination, this is an essential requirement for clear in
scientific study.
Needed.
(7) To develop new research possibilities
(To Explore Possibilities of New Investigation)
Objective study develops the possibilities of new research. With the aim of achieving
objectivity, when we try to find or know the realities of facts or events, many
obscure aspects of that event or fact become clear. As a result, many
misconceptions related to those aspects not only disappear but also emerge with
many new possibilities. In this way, the first objective study proves helpful in
developing the possibilities of many other researches to be done in future.

Difficulties in achieving Objectivity

in Social Research
Most of the socialevents are abstract because they are based on social
relations and hence it is very difficult to observe and test the facts related to them.
 research
26 Objectivity and subjectivity in social
objectivity.
Planning is not easy and that is why it is difficult to achieve
qualitative, hence it is
Apart from this, social events are we will mention
Here
not possible to express them quantitatively. in achieving objectivity
those difficulties which prove to be a hindrance Possible -
Subject-matter not
(1) Complete Detachment from
objectivity is that it is not possible
The first obstacle in the path of achieving
himself from his study subject. Consider
for the researcher to completely separate
studying is related to a social
it different from. Because the subject he is
If that human
phenomenon of which he is an integral part, directly or indirectly.
have a 'special'
event is related to his own society or group, then he will
subject which
place or attachment in his heart towards it and if he is studying a
have a
does not belong to his own society or group, then he will
some bias in it.
special place in his heart towards that subject. It is natural to have
difficulty
Thus, lack of complete separation from the subject of study at any stage creates
in achieving objectivity.
(2) Influence of Emotional Tendencies - The subject
which the researcher is studying is a part of social life and it
is constantly influenced by many types of emotional tendencies. This is
a common misconception and researchers can hardly keep themselves
away from its influence. In this situation there may be difficulty in achieving
objectivity.
(3) Particularistic Fallacy -According to Thomas, another
difficulty in achieving objectivity is the particularistic fallacy, which means that in the
study of a social phenomenon, researchers often give more emphasis to any
one reason or to any particular aspect of the phenomenon. We
make the mistake of considering it as the most important. For example, 'Due to the
influence of Western culture, Indian culture has completely lost its uniqueness.
Such conclusions are indicative of specific misconceptions and are based on
inadequate or unrelated facts. In such a situation, achieving objectivity seems almost
impossible.

(4) False ldols-Through a specific phrase, Phasis Bacon

has drawn our attention towards the mistakes that a researcher often makes
during any research. According to Bacon, there are also the ldols of
the Tribe, which means that the researcher makes the mistake of
seeing or thinking about an object or event in his own way. Our
 27
,Objectivityand subjectivity in social research
come out of his personal viewpoint
It is often difficult for the researcher to
and draw some conclusions.
or his limited knowledge regarding their life
objectivity.
All these circumstances create obstacles in achieving
(5) Confusions regarding General Knowledge and Real
is related to
Knowledge - Clyde Hart has written that objectivity
real knowledge and not to general knowledge. When a researcher accepts
extraordinary
general knowledge as real knowledge, then he commits an
mistake as a social scientist, which is an obstacle in the path of achieving
objectivity.
(6) Possibility of Prejudices and Counter-prejudices -
Even if a researcher, being a member of a joint family, analyzes
the defects of the joint family system without any bias, his study will
still be one-sided. . Because doing so would be called anti
bias. Similarly, if he analyzes only the benefits, the losses are left
out. Thus, both partisanship and anti-partisanship prove to be obstacles in
achieving neutrality.
(7) Ethnocentrism - Another notable obstacle in the path of achieving
objectivity or neutrality is Ethnocentrism. This means that every person
has a 'soft corner' in his heart for his society and social events compared to
others. Therefore, he considers his society's family system, religion,
literature, language etc. to be the best in comparison to other social and cultural
institutions, ideas and ideals. Therefore it becomes difficult to achieve objectivity.
(8) Vested Interest of the Researcher Himself - The researcher's
own interest also hinders the achievement of neutrality. Charles Wood has
written that "the personal interest of the researcher is the scale which measures
himself (personal interest), not objectivity, and on the basis of that measurement
evaluates the significance of the study' In such a situation, achieving
neutrality becomes a distant dream.
(9) Interference by External Interests -There is great difficulty
in achieving objectivity when there is interference of external interest groups in
the study work. While the researcher distorts the real facts to protect his own interests,
he is also influenced by the pressure of external interests. In this way,
external interests also become a factor in the objective or neutral study of social
events.

(10) Need of Immediate Decision - In that situation also

there may be lack of necessary objectivity in the study of social events.
 social research
Objectivity and subjectivity in
28
objective is such that he takes immediate
When the researcher's study objectively, but
science tries to study its subject matter sciences is
decision. Every phenomena, maintaining objectivity in social
due to the nature of social
difficult task. The main problems arising in this are as follows
a
Selection of problem affected by value-judgments: The
(1)
objectivity in social research is the
first reason for not maintaining
selection of the research problem, whichproblem is influenced by the values and
researcher. Selection of is always related to values and
interests of the
completely objective or scientific study of socio-cultural phenomena
that is why
is not possible.
(2) Detachment from study is impossible
-In social research, when we study individuals and groups, being
a social being ourselves, we are not able to keep ourselves
neutral
or separate from the study. Being a member of a social group, a particular
caste and sect, it is natural for the researcher to be biased or attracted
towards a particular thing. Therefore, findings in social sciences are more likely to be
influenced by the attitudes or values of the researcher.
(3) Difficulty due to external interests - The third
obstacle related to objectivity in social sciences is the external interests of the researcher.

When it studies its group it ignores many things which it

considers inappropriate. When he studies another group he pays
more attention to such things. This affects the objectivity of the study.
(4) Nature of social phenomena - The nature of social
phenomena is also a hindrance in objective studies in social sciences. Because
their nature is qualitative and many times the researcher has to
study the attitudes, values and ideals etc. of the group members, hence in
practice it is not possible for him to study the incidents objectively.
According to Lundberg, the moral values of the researcher have
agreat influence on his study. The researcher has some preconceived
notions in favor or against the social problem he studies. According to his
ideals, he can classify it as good or bad, fair or unfair and can also distort
the facts. In this way, the researcher forgets about achieving neutrality and
analyzes the facts according to his interests and disinterests.
Means for achieving Objectivity
in Social Research
Achieving objectivity may be difficult in the field of social research, but
 Objectivity and subjectivity in social exploitation 29

Never impossible. On the basis of their experiences and observations, sociologists

have discovered many means by which objectivity can be achieved
in the study of social phenomena. These means are as follows
(1) Use of Empirical Methods - The first means of
bringing objectivity in the study is to use only empirical methods
in the entire study. By empirical method we mean a system of
study which is based on actual observation,confirmed facts, quantitative
Be based on data and solid evidence and from all types of qualitative
Be completely beyond.
viewpoints (2) Standardization of technical terms and concepts
of Terms and Concepts) -Lack of defined words and concepts is a notable
shortcoming of sociology. If we study the literature of natural and physical sciences, we
will come to know that in these sciences, the definitional words have
been taken from
languages like Greek, Latin etc. and have been made so standard that a specific
meaning
of the definitional word is the same everywhere. The
technical terms of sociology
are taken from common colloquial language. Therefore the
words are not
standard. This is the reason why objectivity cannot flourish in the study of
social
events. Today, technical terms and concepts are being increasingly standardized so that
That the same word should not be used in different
meanings. (3) Use of Schedule and Questionnaire Techniques
-For objective research, it is also necessary that we use those
techniques in our research work in which there are less chances of bias and false
inclination entering. This type of possibility is more in inspection method. Therefore,
questionnaire and schedule techniques have been considered more dependable.
These contain some certified questions which the informant has to
answer.
(4) Use of Group Research Method -
Another way to prevent personal
bias and objective inclination and thus get closer to
objectivity is group research
method. The advantage of this method is that the
shortcomings of one researcher
are compensated by the other researcher and in this way
the defects of the entire
study are removed to a great extent.
(5) Use of Random Sampling - This random
sampling method is
used to achieve objectivity. Under this method, the samples are
selected randomly
without any order so that every unit of the study subject gets
equal opportunity
to be included in the sample and the
researcher is not able to be arbitrary
in the matter of selection of
samples. In this way, the random sampling
method proves helpful in achieving objectivity in the study by
and false inclinations that enter preventing bias
into the selection of the sample.
 30 Objectivity and subjectivity in social research
(6) Use of Experimental Method: The development of experimental
method and the effort to achieve greater objectivity through it is indicative of
the progress of the methodology of sociology. In this method, two groups are selected from
each type of bath. One of these groups is considered as the control
group and the other as the experimental group. No changes are brought about in
the controlled group, whereas in the experimental group an attempt is made to bring
about changes through some single factor. For example, two groups with similar
population and socio-economic status are selected. One of them is left as it is. But in the
second the age of marriage is increased. By doing this, if the population growth
in this second group is found to be less than that of the first group, then
increasing the age of marriage is considered to be the factor for the decrease in population
growth. Thus, objective study of the effects of any factor is possible through this
system.
(7) Use of Mechanical Devices -To keep the study unaffected
by personal biases and to reduce the possibility of the researcher distorting the facts,
the use of mechanical devices is continuously increasing in social research. Notable
among these means are photographs, maps, tape-recorders, computers,
moving films etc. The specialty of the information or facts obtained through
these means is that it is not possible to make changes in them as per wish or to
cut them arbitrarily. That is why through these it is possible to reach objective
conclusions.

(8) Application of Interdisciplinary or Co-operative Approach

-Sociology is studied by different specialized socialsciences.
This means that all these incidents have become completely separate
from each other due to falling under different specific categories.
Economic events have no connection with social events and social
events have no connection with political events. Whereas the actual
situation is completely opposite. All these events are not only related to
each other but are also based on each other. Thus, the study or approach
based on collaboration of different sciences is called interdisciplinary
or collaborative study.
Subjectivity in social research
(Subjectivity in Social Research)
If seen, there is a subjective aspect of human life and social
sciences should pay attention to this aspect. Here, while Habermo
criticizes Marx, he emphasizes the rationality of action. Marx in his
 Objectivity and subjectivity in social research
is inappropriate
The individual has been marginalized in the entire dialectical materialism. This
The rational action of a person also contributes to the production of knowledge. Habermas
took this fact from Weber.
Like Weber, Haberman says that human understanding
(verstehen) is inter-subjective. This means that people understand
each other through interactions and there is rationality in this. A person does not
do anything without any purpose. Knowledge is produced through these
interactions. Habermas has put forward some similar conclusions in his theory.
The self-conscious viewpoint of a person is called subjectivity. This
approach
concept is essentially compared with objectivity and this
structuralists,
(subjectivity) is criticized by positivist social scientists. Not only this,
created. The
Marxists and psychoanalysts have explained how a person is
composition.
importance of subjective approach has been explained in this
clear by discussing the
The concept of subjectivity will become completely
following stages
ona
(1) Development of hypothesis - A hypothesis is based subject. Models can
of the
model which is prepared by a researcher for the research
depends on the correctness
be private as well as public. The existence of such mnodels
no
of the researcher's hypothesis. In this, prior possibilities have
prediction.
importance. (2) To predict - Subjectivity does not necessarily imply
Be limited to observed behaviour. It is also not necessary that a specific
record of someone's behavior be made. Prediction is completely based
method is
on a person's own understanding and mathematics, no scientific
used in it.
(3) Hypothetical test - In the subjective approach, although the observed
the freedom to
behavior is definitely tested by the researcher, the researcher has
It is
choose the behavior to be recorded. Such tests may be ad-hoc in nature.
method.
the personal viewpoint of the researcher to accept or reject this
All such
Sometimes the hypothesis is included on an ex officio basis.
uncontrolled experiments,
tests involve the researcher's own participation, observation,
semi-structured interviews.
and research surveys using population samples and
Is used. (4)
often not made public.
Testing - In subjectivity, the results of testing are
results as
It is the researcher's own discretion to change those
own way.
per his wish and present the results of the test in his
 *Objectivity and subjectivity in social research
(5) Analysis of results - The subjective sociologist analyzes the
descriptive method and also uses statistics wherever results through
hypothesis is resorted to or not is not dependent on orpossible. Whether the
based on ex officio
procedure

test question
-Short answer questions of 2 marks (answer in about 20-30
words)
Question 1. What do you understand by objectivity?
Answer: In short, objectivity is the collection and analysis of facts in
their actual form
through neutral and unbiased observation.
Question 2. Define objectivity.
Answer: "Objectivity is the willingness and ability to examine evidence impartially" green
Question 3. What is subjectivity?
Answer- The self-conscious viewpoint of a person is called
subjectivity.
Question 4. Explain the difference between objective and subjective study.
Answer: In objective study, facts are dominant whereas in subjective study, ideas or
Emotions are dominant.

Essay questions of 18 marks (answer in about 400-500 words)

Question 1. What is objectivity? Throw light on its importance in social research. [ln

answer to this question, clarifying the meaning of objectivity in social research.

The matter mentioned under the heading mportance of objectivity will have to be given]
Question 2. What is objective study? Mention the difficulties faced in achieving objectivity
in the study of any social phenomenon. [In answer to this
question, while writing the meaning of objective study, In social research
The matter mentioned under the heading 'Difficulties in achieving objectivity' will have to be
given.] Question 3. What do you understand by objectivity? Describe the means of achieving
objectivity.
[in the answer to this question, the meaning of objectivity will be clarified and the
matter mentioned under the heading 'Means of achieving objectivity in social research
Question will have to be given.] 4. Discuss subjectivity in social research.
[In the answer to this question, the matter mentioned under the heading 'Subjectivity in social research will
have to be given.]