IGNOU BSOC-134 Assignment 2026-27
Methods of Sociological Enquiry
Last updated by IGNOU: 24 Jul 2026. Guide written from the official PDF on 02 Nov 2026, 04:24 pm.
Downloads need a free login with your Google account.
| Course code | BSOC-134 |
|---|---|
| Course title | Methods of Sociological Enquiry |
| Programme | Bachelor of Arts (BAG); Bachelor of Arts (Multidisciplinary) – BAMBAG, BAAPS, BAM, BASOH |
| School | School of Social Sciences |
| Assignment code | ASST/TMA / 2026-27 |
| Session | July 2026 and January 2027 |
| Maximum marks | 100 |
| Weightage | 30% |
| Last date (June exam) | 31 Mar 2027 |
| Last date (December exam) | 30 Sept 2026 |
| Medium | English, Hindi |
About the BSOC-134 assignment
The BSOC-134 assignment covers sociological research methods and approaches to enquiry. Topics include theory and research, qualitative and quantitative methods, objectivity, reflexivity, ethnomethodology, standpoint theories, questionnaires, comparative analysis and ICT in social research.
All 10 questions are compulsory across three sections: two descriptive answers of about 400 words each, three middle-category answers of about 250 words each, and five short answers of about 100 words each. The stated total is 100 marks, with 30% weightage. However, the individual question marks printed in the PDF do not add up to 100; the marks below follow the PDF.
What the assignment asks
| Question | Marks | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 20 | Explain the meaning of theory and how it connects with research. |
| Q2 | 20 | Compare qualitative research with quantitative research. |
| Q3 | 30 | Explain Durkheim’s perspective on objectivity. |
| Q4 | 30 | Describe Garfinkel’s understanding of reflexivity. |
| Q5 | 30 | Discuss the approach known as ethnomethodology. |
| Q6 | 06 | Describe inductive and deductive methods of enquiry. |
| Q7 | 06 | Discuss standpoint theories. |
| Q8 | 06 | Write a brief account of the questionnaire as a research tool. |
| Q9 | 06 | Explain Weber’s perspective on comparative analysis. |
| Q10 | 06 | Explain ICT and its uses in social research. |
This is a summary of each question. Download the official PDF above for the exact questions and word limits.
How to write and submit it
- Read the assignment instructions in the Programme Guide and answer every question in your own words.
- Keep each answer close to its section’s word limit: about 400 words in Section I, 250 words in Section II and 100 words in Section III.
- Review the relevant course units, prepare key points and arrange them logically before drafting.
- Give descriptive answers an introduction and conclusion, and keep the writing coherent and focused.
- Present the final answers neatly and underline points you want to emphasise.
- Submit the completed assignment to the Coordinator of your study centre within the required time to be eligible for the term-end examination.
- Obtain and retain a submission receipt, keep a photocopy if possible, and ask the study centre to return the evaluated assignment.
Submission dates: 31 March 2027 (June term-end examination); 30 September 2026 (December term-end examination). These are the current listing dates; dates can differ by session.
Frequently asked questions
Which sessions does the BSOC-134 assignment cover?
The assignment is for the July 2026 and January 2027 sessions.
What are the submission deadlines for BSOC-134?
The current listing gives 31 March 2027 for the June term-end examination and 30 September 2026 for the December term-end examination. The PDF instead lists 30 April 2027 for the July 2026 batch and 31 October 2027 for the January 2027 batch. Dates can differ by session; the dates shown here follow the current listing.
How many questions must I answer, and what are the word limits?
All 10 questions must be answered. Section I has two questions requiring about 400 words each, Section II has three requiring about 250 words each, and Section III has five requiring about 100 words each.
What are the total marks and assignment weightage?
Both the listing and PDF state 100 total marks and 30% weightage. The PDF’s individual question marks total 160, which conflicts with its stated total of 100.
Where should I submit the completed assignment?
Submit it to the Coordinator of your study centre. Obtain a receipt and retain it as proof of submission.
Is the BSOC-134 assignment available in English and Hindi?
The official listing shows both English and Hindi mediums. The supplied PDF is the English version.
Other IGNOU BAG assignments
- BABG-171: Understanding B.R. Amedkar
- BEGC-131: Individual and Society
- BEGC-134: Reading the Novel
- BEGE-101: From Language to Literature
- BEGG-171: Media and Communication Skills
- BEGG-172: Language and Linguistics
- BEGLA-135: English in Daily Life
- BEGLA-136: English at the Workplace
- BEGS-185: English Language Teaching
- BEGS-186: Business Communication
- BFDI-073: Introduction to Fashion Industry
- BHDC-113: हिंदी की साहित्यिक पत्रकारिता
- BHDC-132: मध्यकालीन हिंदी कविता
- BHDE-144: छायावाद
- BHDLA-135: हिंदी भाषा : विविध प्रयोग
- BHDLA-137: हिंदी भाषा : संप्रेषण कौशल
- BHDS-183: अनुवाद सिद्धांत और प्रविधि
- BPAC-131: Perspectives on Public Administration
- BPAC-132: Administrative Thinkers
- BPAG-171: Disaster Management
- BPCC-134: Statistical Methods and Psychological Research
- BPSC-132: Indian Government and Politics
- BSOC-101: Introduction to Sociology-I
- BSOC-102: Sociology of India- I
Assignment details and PDFs come from IGNOU's official website; the guide is a summary of the official PDF. Always check the latest instructions and last dates on ignou.ac.in or with your Regional Centre before submitting.