Sociology bruh

Sociological Imagination

The ability to see the connection between personal experiences and larger social forces.

Structure (sociology)

Organized patterns of social relationships and institutions that shape behavior.

Founders of Sociology

Comte, Marx, Durkheim, Weber.

Scientific Method steps

Question → Review → Hypothesis → Collect data → Analyze → Conclude → Share.

Quantitative methods

Numbers, statistics, surveys, experiments.

Qualitative methods

Meanings, descriptions, interviews, ethnography.

Experimental research

Controlled, variables manipulated.

Observational research

Natural setting, no manipulation.

Longitudinal study

Data collected over time.

Cross-sectional study

Snapshot at one point in time.

Independent Variable

The cause or manipulated factor.

Dependent Variable

The effect or outcome measured.

Confounding Variable

Hidden factor that influences both cause and effect.

Correlation

Two variables vary together.

Causation

One variable produces change in another.

Reliability

Consistency of results.

Validity

Accuracy in measuring what’s intended.

Accuracy

Closeness to the true value.

IRB (Institutional Review Board)

Ensures ethical research with human subjects.

Components of a Theory

Concepts, relationships, propositions.

Properties of a Good Theory

Clear, testable, falsifiable, broad explanatory power.

Macro Perspectives

Large-scale structures (Functionalism, Conflict Theory).

Micro Perspectives

Small-scale interactions (Symbolic Interactionism).

Culture

Shared beliefs, values, behaviors, and material objects.

Material Culture

Physical objects (technology, clothing).

Non-material Culture

Ideas, values, beliefs, norms.

Subculture

A group with distinct values within a larger culture.

Elements of Culture

Language, values, norms.

Prescriptive Norms

What you should do.

Proscriptive Norms

What you shouldn’t do.

Mores

Strong moral rules with social significance.

Folkways

Everyday customs and etiquette.

Taboos

Forbidden behaviors; deeply offensive.

Ethnocentrism

Judging another culture by one’s own standards.

Xenocentrism

Preference for another culture over one’s own.

Sanctions

Rewards or punishments for following norms.

Formal Sanctions

Official consequences (laws, rules).

Informal Sanctions

Unofficial consequences (gossip, praise, ridicule).

Social Learning

Learning through interactions with others.

Individual Learning

Learning from personal experience.