UGC NET Paper 2 Sociology Mock Test - 2 - UGC NET MCQ

The evolutionary progression from simple, undifferentiated homogeneity to complex, differentiated heterogeneity was exemplified, Spencer argued, by the development of society. He developed a theory of two types of society, the militant and the industrial, which corresponded to this evolutionary progression. Militant society, structured around relationships of hierarchy and obedience, was simple and undifferentiated; industrial society, based on voluntary, contractually assumed social obligations, was complex and differentiated. Society, which Spencer conceptualised as a 'social organism' evolved from the simpler state to the more complex according to the universal law of evolution. 

The rule whereby the married couple establishes their own residence is called Neolocal residence.

Neolocal residence occurs when a newly married couple establishes their home independent of both sets of relatives.

The research in which the researcher uses both qualitative and quantitative research within a stage or across two of the stages in the research process is known as Mixed model research. Key Points

• Mixed model research is a type of research design that combines elements of both qualitative and quantitative research methods in a single study.
• This approach involves collecting and analyzing both numerical data (quantitative) and non-numerical data (qualitative) to gain a more complete understanding of the research topic.
• Mixed model research is often used in fields such as social sciences, education, and healthcare.
• It allows researchers to address complex research questions that cannot be fully explored using just one research method.
• For example, a study might use qualitative methods to explore people's experiences and perceptions, and then use quantitative methods to test hypotheses based on those findings.
• There are different ways to integrate qualitative and quantitative data in mixed model research, such as:
  • ​Sequential: conducting one method first, then using the findings to inform the other method.
  • Sequential: conducting one method first, then using the findings to inform the other method.
  • Triangulation: using both methods to validate or confirm each other's findings.

• ​Overall, mixed model research is a flexible and powerful research approach that can provide rich and nuanced insights into complex phenomena.

Hence we can conclude that the research in which the researcher uses both qualitative and quantitative research within a stage or across two of the stages in the research process is known as Mixed model research.

1 and 3 is the correct answer.

Important Points

• Participant observation involves the researcher immersing themselves in the culture being studied, allowing for a deep understanding of the community's norms and values.
• Tribal cultures often have complex and unique traditions, making participant observation a particularly useful method for studying their way of life.
• Ethnographic studies also benefit from participant observation as it allows for a firsthand look at the community's daily practices and rituals, leading to a more comprehensive analysis of their culture.

Additional Information

• Many sociologists use participant observation as a research method, including Clifford Geertz, Erving Goffman, and Howard Becker.
• Geertz used participant observation to study the Balinese cockfight, analyzing the symbolic meaning behind the ritual.
• Goffman used participant observation to examine the behavior and interactions within mental institutions, leading to his influential work on the presentation of self in everyday life. Becker used participant observation to explore the world of jazz musicians, leading to his theory of "art worlds."

The correct answer is Ethnomethodology. Key Points

• Conversational Analysis (also known as Conversation Analysis or CA) is part of the broader field of sociolinguistics and ethnomethodology. It is a method used to study the structure and organization of natural conversation. Conversation Analysis focuses on the systematic analysis of the patterns and structures inherent in spoken interaction between individuals.
• Sequential Structure: It examines the sequential organization of talk, analyzing how turns in conversation are structured and how participants transition between different types of actions, such as questions, answers, and repairs.
• Adjacency Pairs: Conversations often follow certain expected patterns or structures known as "adjacency pairs." For example, a question is often followed by an answer, a greeting by a response, and so on. CA explores how these pairs are structured and how participants manage them.
• Repair Mechanisms: CA is interested in how participants handle communication breakdowns or errors in conversation. It studies repair mechanisms, such as self-corrections or requests for clarification, to understand how participants collaboratively maintain smooth communication.
• Conversational Analysis is a method that helps researchers uncover the underlying structures and rules that govern spoken interaction. It provides insights into how participants collaboratively produce and understand talk in everyday communication.

Additional Information

• Ethnomethodology: Ethnomethodology is a sociological approach that focuses on how people make sense of their social world through everyday interactions. It shares common ground with Conversational Analysis in its interest in understanding the methods and practices people use to create and maintain social order.
• Interactional Sociolinguistics: Interactional Sociolinguistics is a subfield of sociolinguistics that examines language use in social interaction. It is closely related to Conversational Analysis and explores how language is used in different social contexts and relationships.
• Pragmatics: Pragmatics is the study of how context influences the interpretation of meaning in language. Conversational Analysis often draws on pragmatic principles to understand how participants in a conversation use context and shared knowledge to interpret each other's contributions.

Thus, The Conversational Analysis is part of Ethnomethodology.

The correct answer is A. Giddens. Key Points

• Concepts like "discursive consciousness," "practical consciousness," and the "unconscious" are commonly associated with Anthony Giddens.
• Discursive Consciousness: Discursive consciousness typically refers to the ability to engage in rational thought, language, and discourse. It involves the use of language and communication to express ideas, beliefs, and knowledge. In Giddens's structuration theory, the concept of "discursive resources" refers to the shared systems of meaning and knowledge that individuals draw upon in their interactions.
• Practical Consciousness: Practical consciousness involves the knowledge and understanding that individuals use in their everyday actions and practices. Giddens emphasizes the concept of "practical consciousness" in the context of his theory of structuration. This involves the tacit knowledge that individuals possess about how to navigate social situations, make decisions, and engage in day-to-day activities within the context of social structures.
• The Unconscious: The unconscious refers to the reservoir of thoughts, memories, and desires that are not currently in conscious awareness but can influence behavior.

Additional Information

• Habermas is known for his emphasis on communicative action, where he argues that rational discourse and communication are essential for a functioning and just society. He distinguishes between instrumental rationality (used for strategic action) and communicative rationality (used for reaching understanding through dialogue). For Habermas, an ideal speech situation allows for open, honest, and undistorted communication among participants.
• Foucault explores the relationship between power and knowledge, arguing that knowledge is a form of power and vice versa. Institutions, practices, and discourses contribute to the exercise of power, shaping societal norms and individual subjectivities. Foucault's archaeological and genealogical methods are used to analyze how power operates in various historical contexts.
• Bourdieu introduces the concept of cultural capital, referring to non-financial social assets such as education, knowledge, and cultural skills. Cultural capital plays a role in social mobility and the reproduction of social inequality. Bourdieu argues that individuals from privileged backgrounds possess cultural capital that gives them advantages in educational and professional settings.

Thus, A. Giddens. has talked about three types of consciousness, namely, discursive consciousness, practical consciousness, and the unconscious.

The correct answer is Clinging to own standpoint. Key Points

• Adhering to ethical principles in social science research requires a commitment to objectivity, fairness, and intellectual integrity. Researchers should be open to diverse perspectives, avoid rigidly clinging to personal standpoints, and be mindful of the potential impact of their work on participants and society at large.
• Clinging to a rigid standpoint could influence the way information is presented to participants during the informed consent process, potentially leading to a lack of transparency about the researcher's objectives or potential biases.
• Clinging to a specific standpoint might compromise the researcher's ability to treat participants fairly and with respect, potentially leading to biased data collection or interpretation.'
• Clinging to a specific standpoint can limit a researcher's ability to consider alternative perspectives or diverse viewpoints. Ethical research values a balanced approach that takes into account a range of voices and experiences.

Additional Information

• Critical Theory: A perspective that emphasizes questioning and critiquing existing power structures and social norms. Researchers adopting a critical approach analyze how knowledge production itself may be influenced by power dynamics and ideologies.
• Postmodernism: Challenges the idea of universal truths and objective knowledge. Postmodernist perspectives emphasize the contingent and context-dependent nature of knowledge, encouraging researchers to be aware of the cultural and historical influences on their work.
• Ethical Relativism: Acknowledges that ethical principles may vary across cultures and contexts. Researchers should be attuned to the ethical norms of the communities they study and avoid imposing their values.

Thus, Clinging to their own standpoint as ethical principles of social science researchers should not be followed.

The correct statement would be - Inductive reasoning starts with specific observations and uses them to make a general statement.

Important Points

Deductive Reasoning :

• Deductive reasoning is a basic form of valid reasoning, often used in the process of coming to a logical conclusion. It starts with a general statement or hypothesis, then examines the possibilities to reach a specific, logical conclusion.
• The process of deductive reasoning includes the following steps:

1. Start with a broad generalization or theory (major premise).
2. Add a more specific premise or observation (minor premise).
3. Draw a logical conclusion based on the compatibility of the previous two statements.

Inductive reasoning :

• Inductive reasoning is a type of logical thinking that involves forming generalizations based on specific observations or experiences. It is the opposite of deductive reasoning, which starts with general principles and concludes about specific instances. Inductive reasoning is often used in the process of hypothesis development and testing in the scientific method.
• The process of deductive reasoning includes the following steps:

1. Begin with specific observations or experiences.
2. Look for patterns or trends.
3. Form a tentative hypothesis that you think explains the pattern or trend.
4. Develop general theories or conclusions from these hypotheses.

The correct answer is Case Study. Key Points

• A case study is a qualitative research method that involves an in-depth exploration of a particular phenomenon, process, or event. It allows researchers to examine the complexities and nuances of a specific case within its real-life context.
• Case studies provide a holistic understanding of the subject by considering various factors, including historical context, social dynamics, and contemporary influences.
• Researchers collect data through various methods such as interviews, observations, documents, and archival research. This multifaceted approach helps in capturing different dimensions of the case and ensuring a comprehensive analysis.
• Case studies often incorporate a temporal perspective by examining the historical development of the phenomenon or event under investigation. This historical lens allows researchers to trace the evolution and changes over time.
• Case studies are often specific to a particular context, they can also contribute to theory building by generating insights and principles that may be applicable to similar cases or contexts.

Additional Information

• Survey research involves collecting data from a sample of individuals through structured questionnaires or interviews. Surveys use standardized questions to gather information about attitudes, behaviors, and characteristics of the population.
• Participant observation is a qualitative research method where the researcher immerses themselves in the natural setting of the study, actively participating in and observing the activities and interactions of the subjects.
• Content analysis is a research method used to systematically analyze the content of textual, visual, or audio materials. Researchers examine and categorize the presence, frequency, and relationships of words, themes, or patterns within the content.

Thus, The in-depth investigation of a phenomenon on a process or an event that focuses on its historicity and contemporary linkages with wider society is termed as Case Study.

The correct answer is Convenience. Key Points

• A convenience sample is a non-probability sampling method where participants are selected based on their easy accessibility or convenience to the researcher. In the field of organization studies, the use of convenience samples is often more prominent than samples based on probability sampling.
• Convenience sampling allows researchers to quickly and easily select participants who are readily available for study, aligning with the practical realities of conducting research in organizational settings.
• Convenience sampling helps researchers bypass some of these logistical hurdles, allowing them to gather data from groups or individuals who are more accessible.
• Convenience sampling enables them to focus on these targeted groups rather than attempting to achieve a representative sample across the entire organization. This targeted approach may align with the research objectives and questions at hand.

Additional Information

• Purposive Sampling: Participants are selected based on specific criteria set by the researcher. The selection is purposeful, with the aim of including individuals who possess particular characteristics or experiences relevant to the research question.
• Quota Sampling: The researcher establishes quotas based on certain demographic or characteristic categories. The goal is to ensure that the final sample reflects the distribution of these categories in the population.
• Snowball Sampling: Initial participants (seeds) are identified and recruited. After participating in the study, these individuals then refer other potential participants, forming a "snowball" effect.

Thus, the Convenience sample is more prominent than samples based on probability sampling in the field of organization studies.

The correct answer is:

• A. Deconstruction- 3. Derrida
• B. Third Way- 1. Giddens
• C. Mirror Theory of Knowledge- 2. Rorty

Key Points

• ​Deconstruction -
  • Deconstruction is a philosophical and critical theory approach developed by the French philosopher Jacques Derrida.
  • It is concerned with the study of the relationship between text and meaning, and it challenges the idea that language can convey an objective truth.
  • Derrida argues that all texts are characterized by a set of binary oppositions, and these binary oppositions can never be fully resolved.
  • Thus, language is always inherently unstable and deconstructing the binary oppositions can reveal the hidden assumptions and biases in the text.
• Third Way -
  • The Third Way is a political ideology that aims to reconcile the traditional left-wing and right-wing political philosophies.
  • It was developed by British sociologist and politician Anthony Giddens in the 1990s.
  • The Third Way advocates for a mixed economy, with a strong welfare state and a focus on social justice, but also with a recognition of the importance of market forces and individual responsibility.
• Mirror Theory of Knowledge -
  • The Mirror Theory of Knowledge is a philosophical theory of knowledge developed by American philosopher Richard Rorty.
  • The theory argues that knowledge is not a representation of reality, but rather a reflection of the beliefs and practices of a particular culture or community.
  • Rorty argues that knowledge is a social construct, and it is shaped by the language and discourse of a particular community.
  • According to the Mirror Theory of Knowledge, there is no objective truth or reality that exists independently of our beliefs and practices.

The term 'indexicality' refers to Subjectivity. Key Points

• The term "indexicality" refers to the relationship between a linguistic or non-linguistic sign and its context, which can give the sign a specific meaning that is dependent on the situation or context in which it is used. In other words, it is the capacity of a sign to refer to something specific in the context in which it is used.
• For example, the word "here" is indexical because its meaning depends on the context in which it is used.
• The meaning of "here" changes depending on the location of the speaker or the person they are referring to. Similarly, pointing at an object or using demonstrative pronouns like "this" or "that" is also indexical because their meaning is context-dependent.
• Indexicality is often contrasted with two other properties of signs: iconicity and symbolism.
• Iconic signs have a physical resemblance or similarity to the thing they represent, while symbolic signs are arbitrary and their meaning is established by convention or agreement.

• Overall, indexicality is a fundamental concept in the study of signs and communication and is essential for understanding how we use language and other forms of communication to convey meaning.

​So we can conclude that the term 'indexicality' refers to Subjectivity.

Ethnomethodology as a research method, was developed by Harold Garfinkel and is focused on the study of everyday life and how individuals, through their communication and interaction, create a sense of social order.Therefore, option A, B, and C outline key aspects related to Ethnomethodology. Option D is not a characteristic of Ethnomethodology, as it typically relies on naturalistic and qualitative research methods rather than large, structured interviews. So, the correct answer is- A, B, and C only.

Key Points

• Ethnomethodology does not focus on the analysis of society at a macro level - such as social structures or institutions - but rather investigates the everyday methods that individuals use to produce social order. It proposes that people are continuously engaged in the work of interpreting and giving meaning to their world, their actions, and the actions of others around them.

• Crucially, ethnomethodology is about the practical, situational understandings and common-sense knowledge - or 'ethnomethods' - that individuals use to navigate their world and engage in social interaction. For example, the practice of forming a queue in a coffee shop is a common-sense method of organizing a seemingly basic social activity, but it encompasses a variety of unwritten rules and conventions that everyone is expected to understand and follow.

• Verstehen ( "to understand"), in the context of German philosophy and social sciences in general, has been used since the late 19th century – in English as in German – with the particular sense of the "interpretive or participatory" examination of social phenomena.
• The term is closely associated with the work of the German sociologist, Max Weber, whose antipositivism established an alternative to prior sociological positivism and economic determinism, rooted in the analysis of social action.
• In anthropology, verstehen has come to mean a systematic interpretive process in which an outside observer of culture attempts to relate to it and understand others.
• Verstehen is now seen as a concept and a method central to a rejection of positivist social science (although Weber appeared to think that the two could be united).
• Verstehen refers to understanding the meaning of action from the actor's point of view. It is entering into the shoes of the other, and adopting this research stance requires treating the actor as a subject, rather than an object of your observations.
• It also implies that unlike objects in the natural world human actors are not simply the product of the pulls and pushes of external forces. Individuals are seen to create the world by organizing their own understanding of it and giving it meaning. To do research on actors without taking into account the meanings they attribute to their actions or environment is to treat them like objects.
• Max Weber talked about verstehen as a very important concept for sociologists and social scientists. ... That's what verstehen is all about: understanding what goes on in the lives of people from their particular perspective so that one can better understand how things work at the larger level of society.

Since the Verstehen School of Understanding was popularised by German Social Scientists

​ Therefore Option 1 is the correct answer.

The correct answer is Glossary

The contents of a report can broadly be divided into three parts -The front matter or prefatory items, The body or text of the report. and The back matter or terminal items.

The various preliminaries are to be included on the front pages of the report.

After the preliminary items, the body of the report is presented. It is the major and main part of the report. It forms the basic part of the report. It consists of the text and context chapters of the study and is divided into 3 (three) parts. The introduction, The description, and discussion of evidence and findings, and The summary, conclusions, and recommendation.

Terminal Items section follows the text or main body. In this First comes the appendices section, then the bibliography and glossary

Important Points

Glossary

• It is listed as a major section in capital letters in the table of contents.
• It is a short dictionary giving definitions and examples of terms and phrases which are technical, used in a special connotation by the author, unfamiliar to the reader in the research report.
• It is included in the terminal part of the report along with the bibliography and appendices

Additional Information

Main body of the report.

• It forms the basic part of the report.
• It consists of the text and context chapters of the study and is divided into 3 (three) parts.

The introduction,:

• Introduction: It is the first chapter in the body of the report which is devoted to introducing the theoretical background of the problem and the methodology adopted for attacking the problem​

The description, and discussion of evidence and findings,

• Discussions: It is the main body of the report and it has two key purposes to explain the conclusions and to justify the recommendations

The Executive summary, conclusions, and recommendation.

• Executive summary: ​It explains in short the purpose of writing the report and emphasizes conclusions or recommendations and includes only the essential or most significant information to support those conclusions

M.N. Srinivas defines westernisation as “the changes brought about in Indian society and culture as a result of over 150 years of British rule at different levels such as technology, institutions, ideology and values”.

Statement 1 is correct: One kind of westernisation refers to the emergence of a westernised sub-cultural pattern through a minority section of Indians who first came in contact with Western culture. This included the sub culture of Indian intellectuals who not only adopted many cognitive patterns, or ways of thinking, and styles of life, but supported its expansion. Many of the early 19^th century reformers were of this kind.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Westernisation does involve the imitation of external forms of culture. It does not necessarily mean that people adopt modern values of democracy and equality.

Statement 3 is correct: The process of Westernization in India began with the efforts of Christian missionaries to convert Indians into Christianity. The East India Company successfully established ‘British Imperial Rule’ in India by 1958. British rule produced radical and lasting changes in the Indian society and culture. The British brought with them new technology, institutions, knowledge, beliefs, and values.

Gender is the structure of social relations centered on the reproductive arena and practices that bring reproductive distinctions between bodies into social processes.

Key Points

• Gender socialization is a process by which individuals develop, refine, and learn to ‘do’ gender through internalizing gender norms and roles as they interact with key agents of socialization, such as their family, social networks, and other social institutions.
• While children are actively participative in shaping their gender identities, their own understanding of gender identity is consolidated by various social agencies like family, peers, and schools.

Thus, it is concluded that the individual is not a social institution that maintains a hold on the social construction of gender difference and reinforces it.

Effective Learning describes methods of teaching and learning that actively involve children in their own learning and personal development. Diversity indicates uniqueness or differences without any judgment attached to the differences or unique characteristics. Diversity gives recognition, acceptance, and respect to individual differences.

Key PointsDiversity, therefore, consists of visible and invisible factors, which include personal characteristics such as socio-economic background, culture, personality, and work style.

FACTORS LEADING TO DIVERSITY:

A large number of different cultures knitted together in such a close and perfect manner make India's diversity one of the wonders of the world. Usually, when people discuss diversity, the conversation focuses on religion and caste. However, to accurately talk about diversity, especially in the classroom, we need to consider more factors like:

• Race
• Multilingualism
• Ethnicity
• Gender
• Socio-economic status
• Age
• Level of physical activities
• Religious beliefs
• Learning style

Hence, it can be concluded that Religion, gender, economic background and even learning styles are all notable factors of diversity in schools.

The State promotes the interests of all is not true about Marxian Socialism.

Marxism is a materialistic conception of history which seeks to explain the development of all societies and furthermore, make predictions about future social change. Marxists consider the material world, nature and society as constantly moving. Whereas, the socialists emphasize the organic unity of society.

The French philosopher Auguste Comte (1798–1857)—often called the “father of sociology”—first used the term “sociology” in 1838 to refer to the scientific study of society.

Cluster sampling refers to a type of sampling method. With cluster sampling, the researcher divides the population into separate groups, called clusters. Then, a simple random sample of clusters is selected from the population.

Carbon monoxide is the gas that irritates our eyes and also respiratory tract of human Beings.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels. When people are exposed to CO gas, the CO molecules will displace the oxygen in their bodies and lead to poisoning.

"It reforms foundational functions"  is not true of an institution.

• Social institution is a group of people who come together for a common purpose.
• It has a set of social norms organized to safeguard of basic societal values. So it does not change foundational functions.

"The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism" was written by Max Weber. The Protestant ethic was an important factor in the economic success of Protestant groups in the early stages of European capitalism; because worldly success could be interpreted as a sign of eternal salvation.

When patrilineal and matrilineal descent is applied together, and not alternatively in combinations, the joint application is known as double descent.

We show that a variety of modern deep learning tasks exhibit a "double-descent" phenomenon where, as we increase model size, performance first gets worse and then gets better.

Ever since India got independence, the urban population has registered a higher increase as compared to the numbers in rural areas. This was witnessed during the census of 2001-2011. Among the following urban setups, Delhi is the most urbanized state, followed by Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Urbanization occurred in the nineteenth century because industrial capitalism led to a shift of population from rural to urban areas.

The term 'urbanization' refers to the movement of large numbers of people from rural to urban areas, and the subsequent growth of cities. This shift in the population can be attributed to the rise of industrial capitalism in the late nineteenth century, as factories were built in cities and the transport system was developed, for example through the building of the railway system. Leisure industries also emerged, for instance, cinemas, theatres, and seaside holiday resorts.

Rewards and punishment associated with role expectations are called sanctions.

1. According to the Oxford Dictionary of Sociology (1994), any means by which conformity to socially approved standards is enforced is called a social sanction.
2. Social sanctions (punishment and reward) are used to influence role behavior.
3. The sanction is a system of giving rewards and punishment to encourage socially acceptable behavior and to conform or behave in ways prescribed for them to follow.

There are 9 land-use categories in India as maintained in the Land Revenue Records. So, statement 1 is correct.

• Forests: The word forest broadly describes an area that has a large number of trees. There are three general types of forest that exist: temperate, tropical, and boreal.
• Culturable Waste-Land: Land which is left fallow (uncultivated) for more than five years is included in this category. It can be brought under cultivation after improving it through reclamation practices. So, statement 2 is correct.
• Barren and Wastelands: The land which may be classified as a wasteland such as barren hilly terrains, desert lands, ravines, etc. normally cannot be brought under cultivation with the available technology. So, statement 3 is incorrect.