1 - Introduction to Sociology

Sociology

The systematic or scientific study of society, social institutions, and social relationships; focuses on how social forces shape human behavior. The study of everything

Sociological Explanations

Explanations that focus on social and structural causes of behavior or outcomes instead of biological or individual factors.

Cognitive Dissonance

Psychological discomfort from holding conflicting beliefs, values, or ideas at the same time; resolved by changing one's beliefs or justifying the conflict.

Sociological Imagination and who founded it

(C. Wright Mills, 1959)

The ability to connect personal troubles to broader social issues

Two Principles of the Sociological Imagination

1. See the General in the Particular: find social patterns in individual behaviors.

2. See the Strange in the Familiar: question what society treats as "normal."

Decline Bias

The tendency to believe that social change leads to decline or worsening conditions compared to the past.

Objective

Drawing conclusions based on verifiable facts and scientific evidence rather than personal opinions or feelings.

Social Location Bias

Judging or interpreting the world based only on one's own experiences and social position (e.g., class, race, gender).

Anecdotal Evidence

Using personal stories or experiences as proof instead of systematic or scientific evidence.

Confirmation Bias

Tendency to seek or interpret information that supports one's preexisting beliefs.

Fundamental Attribution Error

Attributing others' failures to internal traits (e.g., laziness) rather than external circumstances.

Self-Serving Bias

Attributing one's own failures to external factors while taking credit for successes.

Optimism Bias

Viewing things more positively when in a good mood.

Pessimism Bias

Viewing things more negatively when in a bad mood.

Cultural Bias

Viewing one's own culture as "normal" and others as "abnormal.