Welcome to your comprehensive guide for IGNOU's BSOC-134: Methods of Sociological Enquiry. This crucial course, part of your Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) program, equips you with the foundational tools to understand and conduct sociological research. It delves into the systematic approaches sociologists use to gather, analyze, and interpret data about society, human behavior, and social phenomena. Understanding these methods is vital not only for academic success but also for developing critical thinking skills applicable to various real-world scenarios in psychology and beyond. Why is BSOC-134 important? In the field of psychology, understanding how social factors influence individual behavior is paramount. This course bridges the gap by teaching you how to empirically investigate these connections. You'll learn about various research designs, data collection techniques like surveys, interviews, and observations, and the ethical considerations involved in social research. Key topics include the nature of social research, research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, sampling techniques, and data analysis. Gaining proficiency in these areas can significantly enhance your career prospects in research, social work, counseling, and policy analysis. The exam for BSOC-134 typically involves a mix of theoretical questions testing your understanding of concepts and practical application of methods. To excel, a strong grasp of the textbook and supplementary IGNOU study materials is essential. We provide access to past IGNOU question papers, including those for January 2026 and July 2025 sessions, to help you familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and expected question types. Regularly practicing with these question papers, alongside thorough revision of your notes and understanding the core methodologies, will boost your confidence and performance.