Chapter 1 - Sociological Perspectives and Research Methods

Structural-Functional

A sociological perspective that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote stability and order.

Symbolic-Interactionism

A sociological perspective that focuses on the relationship between individuals and society, emphasizing the subjective meanings and symbols that shape social interactions.

Social Conflict

A sociological perspective that views society as composed of groups that compete for limited resources, highlighting issues of power, inequality, and social change.

A sociologist from which of the three major sociological perspectives discussed in the text and class is most likely to point out that the education system  ensures that society has a skilled work force.

Structural Functional

A sociologist from which of the three major sociological perspectives discussed in the text and class would be most likely to point out that children from different cultural backgrounds may interpret conversations with teachers in different ways?

Symbolic-Interactionism

A sociologist from which of the three major sociological perspectives discussed in the text and class notes would be most likely to say that the way the educational system is organized in the United States benefits the rich at the expense of the poor?

Social Conflict

A sociologist from which of the three major sociological perspectives discussed in the text would be most likely to point out that the health care system in the United States is organized in a way that ensures the maximum benefit for everyone?

Structural Functionalism

Positvist Sociology

An approach that focuses on the study of social phenomena in terms of their positive effects and the potential for social improvement. (Structural-Functionalism aligned)

Interpretive Sociology

An approach that emphasizes understanding the subjective meanings and experiences individuals attach to their social world, often focusing on social processes and meanings rather than strictly observable phenomena. (Symbolic Interactionism aligned)

Critical Sociology

An approach that critiques and seeks to change society by addressing issues of power, inequality, and injustice, often through a lens of social conflict. (Social Conflict aligned)

Reliability

Consistency in measurement.

Validity

Actually measuring exactly what you intend to measure.

Experiment! Name a pro and a con as well.

For explanatory research that specifies relationship b/tw variables

Pro: Specifies cause and effect relationships, Replication is easy

Con: Lab settings could have artificial settings, results may be biased

Survey! Name a pro and a con as well.

Gathering info. about issues that cannot be directly observed

Pro: Allows large population responses

Con: Questions must be carefully prepared and may yield

Participant Study

For exploratory and descriptive study of people in a natural study

Pro: Allows study of natural behavior

Con: time consuming, replication is hard

Existing Sources

For exploratory, descriptive, or explanatory research under suitable data already available

Pro: Saves time and expense of data collection

Con: Researcher has no control of possible bias in data

Existing Sources

Analysis of some form of communication, usually a form of mass media