ALLAMA IQBAL OPEN UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD

(Department of Sociology)

WARNING

1. PLAGIARISM OR HIRING OF GHOST WRITER(S) FOR SOLVING THE ASSIGNMENT(S) WILL DEBAR THE STUDENT FROM AWARD OF DEGREE/CERTIFICATE, IF FOUND AT ANY STAGE.
2. SUBMITTING ASSIGNMENT(S) BORROWED OR STOLEN FROM OTHER(S) AS ONE’S OWN WILL BE PENALIZED AS DEFINED IN “AIOU PLAGIARISM POLICY”.

Course: Methods of Social Research: Research Process (9438)

Level: BS Semester: Spring, 2025

Please read the following instructions for writing your assignments. (AD, BS, B.Ed. MA/MSc, MEd) (ODL Mode).

1. All questions are compulsory and carry equal marks but within a question the marks are distributed according to its requirements.

2. Read the question carefully and then answer it according to the requirements of the questions.

3. Avoid irrelevant discussion/information and reproducing from books, study guide or allied material.

4. Handwritten scanned assignments are not acceptable.

5. Upload your typed (in Word or PDF format) assignments on or before the due date.

6. Your own analysis and synthesis will be appreciated.

7. Late assignments can’t be uploaded at LMS.

8. The students who attempt their assignments in Urdu/Arabic may upload a scanned copy of their handwritten assignments (in PDF format) on University LMS. The size of the file should not exceed 5MB.

Total Marks: 100 Pass Marks: 50

ASSIGNMENT No. 1

(Units 1–4)

Q. 1 Critically assess the importance of formulating a clear research question. How does a well-defined research question influence the design, methodology, and outcomes of a research project? (20)

Q. 2 In social sciences, abstract concepts like ‘social class,’ ‘power,’ or ‘mental health’ need to be operationalized. How do researchers decide on the indicators or variables that will best represent these complex concepts? Critically discuss the challenges involved in operationalizing such abstract concepts. (20)

Q. 3 Discuss the relationship between independent, dependent, and extraneous variables in the context of an experimental study. How can extraneous variables confound the results, and what strategies can researchers employ to control or eliminate them? (20)

Q. 4 What role does literature review play in the research process? Critically examine how conducting a thorough literature review helps in shaping the research problem, identifying gaps in existing knowledge, and developing hypotheses. (20)

Q. 5 Write notes on the following: (10+10)

i. Feasibility of a research project

ii. Alternative knowledge sources

Total Marks: 100 Pass Marks: 50

ASSIGNMENT No. 2

(Units: 5–9)

Q. 1 A good research hypothesis is often falsifiable, meaning it can be proven wrong. Critically discuss the concept of falsifiability and why it is important for a hypothesis to be testable. How does this principle align with the scientific method? (20)

Q. 2 Sampling methods are central to data collection in research. Critically discuss the various sampling techniques (e.g., random sampling, stratified sampling, convenience sampling) and assess the potential biases and limitations each method introduces to the research. (20)

Q. 3 Critically evaluate the role of computers and internet in data collection and analysis in social science research. How have advancements in software and data management tools changed the way researchers collect, store, and analyze large datasets? (20)

Q. 4 Explain the difference between a population and a sample. Also, discuss the ethical challenges that researchers might face when selecting a sample for social science research. (20)

Q. 5 Write notes on the following topics: (10+10)

i. Theoretical Framework

ii. Major types of research designs used in social sciences

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