IGNOU MSO-002 Assignment 2026-27
Research Methodologies and Methods
Last updated by IGNOU: 27 Jul 2026. Guide written from the official PDF on 01 Nov 2026, 04:24 am.
| Course code | MSO-002 |
|---|---|
| Course title | Research Methodologies and Methods |
| Programme | M.A. SociologyMSO, MAMIDI |
| Assignment code | MSO-002/AST/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 MSO-002 assignment
The MSO-002 assignment covers approaches to sociological research, including phenomenology, positivism, quantitative analysis, surveys and fieldwork. It also asks students to prepare a research report on one of three social research topics.
This tutor-marked assignment carries 100 marks and has a 30% weightage. In Section A, answer two of five questions worth 25 marks each. In Section B, write a report of about 3,000 words on one topic for 50 marks, using either a literature review or primary-source case studies.
What the assignment asks
| Question | Marks | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Section A — Q1 | 25 | Explain phenomenology and examine Martin Heidegger’s contribution to this approach. |
| Section A — Q2 | 25 | Describe the nature and scope of quantitative data analysis in sociological research. |
| Section A — Q3 | 25 | Explain positivism and discuss Giddens’s criticism of it. |
| Section A — Q4 | 25 | Critically assess the scope of survey methods in social science research. |
| Section A — Q5 | 25 | Discuss why fieldwork is relevant to sociological research. |
| Section B — Topic (i) | 50 | Prepare a research report examining the use of artificial intelligence in social science research. |
| Section B — Topic (ii) | 50 | Prepare a research report exploring how education affects social mobility in India. |
| Section B — Topic (iii) | 50 | Prepare a research report examining the sociological importance of pilgrimages and festivals. |
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
- Complete both sections, choosing two questions from Section A and one report topic from Section B.
- Keep the Section B research report to about 3,000 words.
- Base the report either on a review of literature or on data collected from primary sources.
- For the literature-review route, choose two recently published books or four recently published research articles on your selected topic.
- In the literature review, discuss where the studies were conducted, the methods they used and their main findings.
- For the primary-source route, collect two case studies and compare them, clearly stating the study’s objectives and research problems.
- Relate the research issue to existing literature, present observations, findings and conclusions coherently, and include references at the end.
- Submit the research report to your Study Centre for evaluation.
Submission dates: 31 March 2027 (June term-end exam); 30 September 2026 (December term-end exam)
Frequently asked questions
Which sessions does the MSO-002 assignment cover?
The listing identifies this assignment for the July 2026 and January 2027 sessions. Its assignment code is MSO-002/AST/TMA/2026-27.
What are the maximum marks and weightage for MSO-002?
The assignment carries 100 marks and has a 30% weightage.
How many questions must I attempt in MSO-002?
Answer any two of the five Section A questions, worth 25 marks each, and write one Section B research report worth 50 marks.
What is the word limit and source requirement for the research report?
The report should be about 3,000 words. You may review two recently published books or four recently published research articles, or collect and compare two primary-source case studies.
Where should I submit the MSO-002 research report?
The PDF directs students to submit the research report to their Study Centre for evaluation.
What are the MSO-002 assignment submission deadlines?
The official listing gives 31 March 2027 for the June term-end exam and 30 September 2026 for the December term-end exam.
Other IGNOU MSO assignments
- MPA-016: Decentralisation and Local Governance
- MPS 3: India: Democracy and Development
- MSO-001: Sociological Theories and Concepts
- MSO-003: Sociology of Development
- MSO-004: Sociology in India
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.