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Doing Sociology : Research Methods

Question
CBSEENSO11022853

What is meant of the following terms/words :

(i) Concomitant Variation

(ii) Nomothetic

(iii) Conjectural

(iv) Cross-Cultural Method

(v) Dialectical

(vi) Materialism

(vii) Equilibrium

(viii) Manifest Functions

(ix) Ethnographic

Solution
(i) Concomitant Variation : An empirical relationship in which the magnitude of the first variable varies with the magnitude of the second variable.

(ii) Nomothetic : A science that attempts to make generalization (e.g. Sociology)

(iii) Conjectural : Balance of forces, particular ideologies, class interest etc. that in combination make up a particular pattern of social and economic contradictions.

(iv) Cross-Cultural Method : Comparisons of contemporary cultures.

(v) Dialectical : A process which sees forces of change from thesis (original states) to antithesis (opposite state) to synthesis (combination of first two states i.e. thesis and antithesis).

(vi) Materialism : Relation of production which correspond to a definite stage of the development of their productive forces.

(vii) Equilibrium : A state of balance between parts within a social system.

(viii) Manifest Functions : Functions of a social system which are intended and / or overtly recognized by the participants in that social system.

(ix) Ethnographic : Written record of small society based on direct observation.