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

3 > 1 > 2 is the correct sequence in terms of population density.

Delhi should be the first and most of you will know this. Even if you didn’t, it’s not hard to figure out that Delhi being quite small in area compared to states, and having a large population (with all those migrations) will surely have the highest population density. Now, before the 2011 census, West Bengal was the state that had the second-highest population density. This changed after the census 2011 report and Bihar overtook West Bengal.

Correct matching of lists:

Traditional theory makes us believe that caste system is not of human but of divine origin.

Traditional Theory: According to this theory, the caste system is of divine origin. It says the caste system is an extension of the varna system, where the 4 varnas originated from the body of Bramha.

Manifest functions are the anticipated, organized, stable, and planned outcomes of social institutions. The term "unanticipated" (option c) applies to latent functions, which are the unexpected or unintended consequences that may arise alongside the manifest functions.

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.

A - 4, B - 3, C - 1, D - 2 is the correct answer.

Important Points

• “Sociology seeks to discover the principles of cohesion and or within social structure.” - MacIver
• It is “the scientific study of social relationship, their variety, their forms.” - Abel
• It “attempts the interpretive understanding of social man” - Weber
• It is “a body of learning about society a description of ways to make society better - Ogburn

Additional Information

• MacIver was a Scottish sociologist known for his work on social institutions and the impact of culture on society.
• Abel was a Norwegian mathematician and computer scientist who developed the Abel Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in mathematics.
• Weber was a German sociologist and philosopher who is widely regarded as one of the founding figures of modern sociology, known for his work on bureaucracy and the Protestant work ethic.
• Ogburn was an American sociologist who developed the theory of cultural lag, which posits that technological advancements often outpace changes in societal norms and values.

The correct answer is Émile Durkheim.

Key Points

• Émile Durkheim, a French sociologist, is known for his contributions to the field of sociology and his development of the theory of social facts.
• Durkheim argued that social facts are external to the individual and exert a coercive power over individuals, shaping their behavior, thoughts, and emotions.
• Durkheim believed that these social facts, such as customs, norms, values, and institutions, are objective and exist independently of individual consciousness.
• Durkheim also emphasized that the determining cause of a social fact should be sought among the social facts preceding it, rather than among the states of individual consciousness.
• Durkheim argued that social facts have their origins in collective representations and social forces, rather than being solely determined by individual thoughts or actions.
• This perspective highlights the influence of social structures and collective processes in shaping individual behavior and social phenomena.

The correct matching is (A) - 3, (B) - 2, (C) - 1, (D) - 4.
Key Points

• Talcott Parsons
  • Talcott Parsons (1902–1979) was an American sociologist who made significant contributions to the field of sociology, particularly in the mid-20th century. He was a prominent figure in structural functionalism.
  • He is considered an important sociologists because of his following contributions:

  • Structural Functionalism: Parsons developed the structural functionalist perspective, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various social institutions and their roles in maintaining social equilibrium. 

  • AGIL Paradigm: Parsons introduced the AGIL paradigm: Adaptation (to the environment), Goal Attainment (setting and achieving goals), Integration (maintaining social order), and Latency (providing for the needs of individuals and maintaining motivation).

  • Pattern Variables: Parsons identified pattern variables, which are fundamental dimensions of social action and interaction. These include factors like affectivity vs. affective neutrality, specificity vs. diffuseness, and self-orientation vs. collectivity orientation.

  • Action Theory: Parsons developed an action theory that sought to understand how individuals make choices and take actions within the constraints of societal structures.

• ​Durkheim
  • ​Emile Durkheim was a French sociologist who is widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of sociology.
  • He believed that social phenomena should be studied scientifically and that social facts exist independently of individual consciousness.
  • Durkheim believed that the size and density of social groups have a significant impact on the behaviour and attitudes of individuals within those groups.
  • He argued that as societies become larger and more complex, they become more differentiated and specialized, which leads to greater interdependence among individuals and groups.
  • According to Durkheim, this interdependence creates a sense of solidarity among members of society.
  • He identified two types of solidarity: mechanical solidarity and organic solidarity.
  • Mechanical solidarity is based on a shared sense of identity and similarity among members of a group, while organic solidarity is based on a division of labour and interdependence among individuals with different skills and roles.
  • Durkheim believed that the size and density of social groups have a significant impact on social behaviour and attitudes.
  • He argued that as societies become larger and more complex, they become more specialized and interdependent, which creates new forms of solidarity and social organization.
• ​Spencer
  • ​Herbert Spencer was an English philosopher and social theorist who lived during the 19th century.
  • He is known for his contributions to evolutionary theory, sociology, and psychology.
  • Spencer's ideas about intellectual development were influenced by Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, and he believed that the process of intellectual development was analogous to the process of biological evolution.
  • He argued that human knowledge and understanding develop over time through a process of differentiation and integration, similar to the way in which organisms evolve through natural selection.
  • Spencer believed that the highest level of intellectual development was characterized by the ability to think abstractly and recognize the interconnections between different areas of knowledge.

  • He argued that this level of development required a broad education that encompassed a wide range of subjects, as well as the ability to synthesize and integrate different ideas.

​So we can conclude that the correct matching is

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 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 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.

• Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with the study of moral principles and values, which govern the behavior of individuals and groups. It involves examining and analyzing ethical concepts such as right and wrong, good and bad, and duty and obligation.
• Ethics is a vital subject of study in academia, as it is essential for understanding and analyzing human behavior, decision-making, and social norms. It is also relevant in various fields such as medicine, law, business, and politics, as it provides guidance for professionals to make ethical decisions and act with integrity.

Additional Information

• Ethics is the code of conduct for a particular profession and is not related to personal life:
  • This option is incorrect because ethics is not limited to a specific profession or field. While each profession may have its own code of conduct, ethics is a broader concept that applies to all areas of life, including personal life.
• Ethics is the field study that focuses on faith and religion:
  • This option is incorrect because while religion and faith can play a role in shaping ethical beliefs and practices, ethics is not limited to these areas.
  • Ethics is a secular field that deals with examining moral principles and values that apply to all individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs.
• Ethics is what we do when we know others are watching:
  • This option is incorrect because ethics is not simply about behavior when others are watching.
  • While social norms and expectations can influence ethical behavior, ethics is a broader concept that involves examining moral principles and values that apply to all situations, whether or not others are present.
  • Additionally, ethical behavior should be consistent regardless of whether or not others are watching.

Hence, the best way to describe how the term ethics is viewed in the academic world is ethics is the branch of philosophy dealing with morality.

The correct answer is Ethnographic design. Key Points

• A mixed research design is a research approach that combines elements of both quantitative and qualitative methods within a single study or research program.
• Ethnographic research designs are often classified as qualitative research methods rather than mixed methods.
• Ethnography is a qualitative research methodology focused on the in-depth study of cultures, communities, and social phenomena.
• Ethnographers aim to understand the lived experiences, perspectives, and behaviors of individuals within specific social contexts.

Additional Information

• Embedded Design: In an embedded design, one type of data (quantitative or qualitative) serves as the primary method, while the other type of data is embedded within or supplementary to the primary method.
• A Sequential Design is a type of mixed research design where researchers collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data sequentially, one after the other.
• A Multiphase Design is a research approach that involves multiple distinct phases of data collection and analysis, often combining both quantitative and qualitative methods.

Thus, Ethnographic design research designs are not considered as a mixed method.

The correct answer is (i), (ii) and (iii) are correct. Key Points

• Triangulation is a methodological approach that involves the use of multiple sources of data, investigators, and theoretical perspectives
• It enhances the validity, reliability, and comprehensiveness of research findings.
• Use of at least three investigators: Triangulation involves the collaboration of at least three researchers or investigators in the research process.
• Use of at least three data sets: Triangulation also involves the integration of multiple sources of data or data sets to study a phenomenon.
• By utilizing multiple data sets, researchers can cross-validate findings.
• Use of at least three theoretical perspectives: By integrating diverse theoretical perspectives, researchers can uncover hidden complexities, and challenge assumptions.

Additional Information

• Methodological Pluralism: Methodological pluralism emphasizes the use of multiple research methods and approaches within a single study or research program.
• Data Triangulation: Data triangulation specifically refers to the use of multiple sources or types of data to corroborate findings and enhance the validity of research conclusions.
• Theory Triangulation: Theory triangulation involves the integration of multiple theoretical perspectives or frameworks to analyze and interpret research findings.

Thus, The term triangulation indicates the use of at least three investigators. the use of at least three data sets, and the use of at least three theoretical perspectives.

The correct answer is G. H. Mead. Key Points

• The statement "Social group comes first, and it leads to the development of self-conscious mental states" encapsulates Mead's key ideas.
• Mead argues that the self emerges through a process of interaction with others within the context of social groups.
• The self does not exist in isolation but is inherently social. The development of the self begins with social interaction.
• As individuals engage in symbolic interaction and take on the roles of others, they develop a reflective capacity.

Additional Information

• Peter Berger was an Austrian-born American sociologist known for his work in the sociology of knowledge and the sociology of religion.
• He is perhaps best known for his book "The Social Construction of Reality."
• Charles Horton Cooley was an American sociologist and one of the founding figures of symbolic interactionism. He is best known for his concept of the "looking-glass self."
• Harold Garfinkel was an American sociologist known for his development of ethnomethodology.
• Ethnomethodology is a qualitative research approach that focuses on the study of everyday social interactions and the methods people use to make sense of their social world.

Thus, G. H. Mead says "Social group comes first, and it leads to the development of self-conscious mental states”

​​The correct answer is McIver and Page.

Important Points

• Society is defined as a collection of individuals having relationships with each other. No society exists without social relations.
• Different sociologists have given different definitions to society.
• In the same way, McIver and Page define society as a web of relationships that is ever-changing and complex.
• It means every society rests on certain relations, which change with the course of time and situation. e.g a person's relationship with father, teacher, peers, employer, etc.
• A web of relations is created when a person is present in society from family to other social institutions. And these relations change continuously from time to time.

Additional Information

• T.B Bottomore is a British Sociologist whose work includes issues on class, social theory, labour, etc.
• Anthony Giddens is known for his Structuration theory, which explains the relationship between individual and stable properties of society.
• Alex Inkles as a sociologist focuses on the structure of emerging worldwide societies.

Hence the correct answer is McIver and Page.

Answer: B

Solution: Anthropologist Talal Asad through writings like ‘Genealogies of Religion’ studied religious signifiers and evolution of secular concepts arguing contextual identities defy neat categorization - a key critique in cultural theory.

Key Points

• B correctly recognizes Asad’s seminal scholarship deconstructing contingency and fluidity of group markers challenging orthodox classifications.
• Talal Asad is a prominent anthropologist and scholar of religion known for his critical analysis of the intersections between power, religion, and modernity. His work has influenced discussions on secularism, cultural diversity, and the complex relationships between the West and the Muslim world.
• Other theorists are associated more with cultural hybridity, diaspora rather than specific secularism debates.
  

Thus, correct option is [B], Talal Asad

Additional Information

• Asad’s work builds on Gramsci’s cultural hegemony and Foucault’s knowledge-power interlinks extending them to continuity and authority of cultural forms.
• His interpretative lens helps analyze identity “production” amidst complex intermeshed symbolisms.

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.

"Caste is a product of race that came to India along with Aryans", was said by Govind Sadashiv Ghurye.

According to G.S.Ghurye “Castes are small and complete social worlds in themselves marked off definitely from one another though subsisting within the larger society”.

According to MacIver - community is that area of social life, which can be identified by some degree of social relatedness or cohesion. Whose activities and interests have similar centers.

A tribe is a social community that existed before the development of the state or that is still outside the state. Tribe is actually a legal term used for the tribals of India. The term Scheduled Tribe has been used in the Constitution of India and special provisions have been made for them.

The correct match of List - I and List - II is:

"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.

A young woman who turns herself into a religious worker has a strong Social motive.

Social motives are learnt through social interactions and get manifested in the social preferences that individuals make. They are directed at social outcomes.

The system of rewards leads to a system of stratification’ may be attributed to the Functional theory.

Functionalism also called a structural-functional theory, sees society as a structure with interrelated parts designed to meet the biological and social needs of the individuals in that society.

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority was established by the Government of India in December 1985.

​It was established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act passed by the Parliament in December 1985. The Act came into effect on 13th February 1986. The headquarters of APEDA is located in New Delhi.

R. K. Merton (born Meyer Robert Schkolnick; 4 July 1910 – 23 February 2003) was an American sociologist. He spent most of his career teaching at Columbia University, where he attained the rank of University Professor. In 1994 he was awarded the National Medal of Science for his contributions to the field and for having founded the sociology of science. He is considered a founding father of modern sociology while also gaining a status for the work that contributed to criminology. He was the prime reason for the salient status, dominant status and controlling status.