Perspectives
Describe the sociological perspective:
Studying and understanding sociology can help you gain a new perspective on life and the hidden meaning behind human action.
Who is the "father of sociology?"
Auguste Comte
What is a "hypothesis?"
An educated guess on the outcome of results prior to conducting the experiment, but after research.
What is sociology?
The study of life, social interactions, and how human behavior is caused and affected by society
What is the difference between macro and micro sociology?
Micro is the study of a smaller group. A more direct and personal study.
Macro is a broader study. This is when you study a large group.
ALL college students vs. a dorm room.
What is the difference between social statics and social dynamics?
Social statics: the factors that hold society together.
Social dynamics: unavoidable changes to society.
What is empirical data?
When the person conducting the study has DIRECT EXPERIENCE with what they are studying.
Remember: Du Bois studied the life of an African American in Philly, while being an African American and living in Philly.
What is an example of a symbol in our society?
Head nod/shake, salute, eagle, flag, etc.
What are the 3 theoretical perspectives?
Functionalist
Conflict
Interactionist
Wrote a book on how well America represented democracy. Titled, "Society in America"
Harriet Martineau
Explain the difference between an independent variable and a dependent variable.
The independent variable is what WE are changing in order to see results.
The dependent variable is what is being changed. We depend on it to change.
Which of the three theoretical perspectives does the "feminist perspective" belong to?
Conflict perspective.
Describe the functionalist perspective:
According to this perspective, sociologists believe that most people in a society work together to ensure that the social system runs smoothly.
Religion, culture, education, economy
What is "Social Darwinism" and who created it?
Survival of the fittest in society. Social change and unrest are necessary to societies journey of perfection.
Herbert Spencer
What are the four common research designs that sociologists follow?
Surveys, experiments, observational studies, and analysis of existing sources.
According to the functionalist perspective, what is a "dysfunction?"
A negative consequence a part has to a society.
CRIME.
Describe the interactionist perspective:
Sociologists look for ways that we interact through the use of symbols.
What is "verstehen" and who created it?
Putting yourself in someone else's shoes.
Max Weber
List the 7 steps of the scientific method IN ORDER.
Define a problem, research prior literature, form a hypothesis, choose a research design, conduct experiment and collect data, analyze the data, write a conclusion.
List one advantage and disadvantage to surveys:
Advantages:
Sent through email, text, mail, etc.
Can reach large numbers of people from all backgrounds.
A lot of data collected in a very short time frame.
Disadvantages:
Sociologists do not know if the respondent interpreted the questions correctly.
Sociologists have only the answers to the questions to look to when writing their conclusion.