MSW-2 IGNOU Guess Paper 2026-27

MSW-2 Guess Paper: Social Work Research Methods (Course Code: MSW-2)

This structured guess paper aligns with IGNOU’s official syllabus for MSW-2, covering 5 key units with chapter-wise question weightage and exam patterns from the last 5 years. Focus on research design, sampling, data analysis, and ethical considerations—topics frequently tested in TEE sessions.

Unit-wise Breakdown & Question Weightage

• Unit 1: Introduction to Social Work Research
  • Key topics: Definitions, paradigms (positivist/interpretivist), and research ethics (25–30% weight).
  • Common questions: Compare positivist and interpretivist approaches; discuss ethical dilemmas in case studies.
• Unit 2: Research Design & Methods
  • Key topics: Experimental/non-experimental designs, sampling techniques (probability/non-probability), and tools (questionnaires, interviews).
  • Common questions: Design a survey for a community-based project; explain stratified sampling with examples.
• Unit 3: Data Collection & Analysis
  • Key topics: Qualitative (thematic analysis) vs. quantitative (SPSS/Excel) methods, reliability/validity, and triangulation.
  • Common questions: Analyze a dataset using SPSS (focus on descriptive statistics); critique mixed-methods research.
• Unit 4: Research Reporting & Dissemination
  • Key topics: APA/IGNOU formatting, writing research proposals/theses, and dissemination strategies (conferences, journals).
  • Common questions: Draft an abstract for a hypothetical study; explain peer-review processes.
• Unit 5: Ethical & Legal Aspects of Research
  • Key topics: Informed consent, confidentiality, and compliance with ICMR guidelines.
  • Common questions: Resolve an ethical dilemma in fieldwork; discuss data protection laws.

Exam Time Management (3 Hours)

• Allocate 45 minutes for reading the question paper (focus on keywords like ‘analyze,’ ‘compare,’ or ‘design’).
• Prioritize short-answer questions (SAQs) (20 marks) first, then tackle long-answer questions (LAQs) (30 marks).
• For case studies, structure answers using PESTEL framework (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, Legal).
• Avoid rote memorization; emphasize application-based answers (e.g., ‘How would you apply triangulation in a field study?’).

Subject-Specific FAQs

• Q: Are SPSS questions mandatory in TEE?

  Yes. Expect 1–2 questions on descriptive statistics (mean, median, standard deviation) or inferential tests (t-tests, chi-square). Use screenshots of outputs for partial credit.

• Q: How to score full marks in ethical dilemmas?

  Use the 4-step ethical decision-making model (identify issue gather facts evaluate options act). Cite ICMR guidelines and IGNOU’s Code of Ethics.

Sample Question Patterns (June 2023 & Dec 2022)

• Section A (SAQs):
  • ‘Explain the differences between purposive and random sampling.’ (10 marks)
  • ‘What are the ethical considerations in conducting research with vulnerable populations?’ (10 marks)
• Section B (LAQs):
  • ‘Design a research proposal for a study on child trafficking in [State]. Justify your methodology.’ (30 marks)
  • ‘Analyze a dataset (provided) to identify trends in mental health among urban youth.’ (30 marks)