Sociological Perspectives and Common Sense

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards based on sociological concepts discussed in the lecture, aiding in exam preparation.

Common Sense

General beliefs or assumptions that are often taken for granted but may not be true.

Authority

Individuals or groups recognized as having influence or power over others, impacting beliefs and actions.

Idiot (slang)

A person regarded as lacking intelligence or sense.

Ideology

A system of ideas and ideals, especially those forming the basis of economic or political theory.

Empirical Statement

A statement based on observations or experience rather than theory or pure logic.

Normative Statement

A statement that expresses a judgment about whether a situation is desirable or undesirable.

Internet Bubble

A phenomenon wherein algorithms tailor online content to users' preferences, leading to a limited exposure to differing views.

Stereotypes

Oversimplified and fixed ideas about a group of people or situations.

Schema

A cognitive framework that helps organize and interpret information about a specific topic or situation.

Script

A sequence of expected behaviors or actions in a particular context or scenario.

Social Embeddedness

The idea that individuals’ experiences and behaviors are influenced by their social context.

Virtue Signaling

The act of expressing opinions or sentiments intended to demonstrate one's good character or moral correctness to others.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation of one's existing beliefs or theories.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

A mutual aid fellowship that helps individuals struggling with alcohol addiction.

Social Interests

The concerns and motivations that affect the behavior and beliefs of individuals within a society.

Frustration

A feeling of being upset or annoyed as a result of being unable to change or achieve something.

Pig Butchering (extra credit)

A type of extra credit assignment or activity mentioned in class.

Empirical Research

Research based on observed and measured phenomena; it derives knowledge from actual experience.

Critical Thinking

The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment.

Cognitive Dissonance

The mental discomfort experienced by a person who holds two or more contradictory beliefs.

Narrative

A spoken or written account of connected events; a story.

Social Network

A social structure made up of individuals or organizations, with connections established through relationships.

Moodle

A web-based learning platform used for online course management and education.

The Chicken Enchilada Party

A specific event mentioned in class for extra credit.

AA Meeting

A gathering for people dealing with alcohol dependence for shared support.

Reality

The state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic notion.

Rhetorical Question

A question asked to make a point rather than to elicit an answer.

Qualitative Research

Research that collects and works with non-numerical data that seeks to interpret meaning.

Quantitative Research

Research that collects and analyzes numerical data to understand patterns.

Intersectionality

A framework for understanding how various social categories such as race, gender, and class intersect.

Political Polarization

The divergence of political attitudes away from the center, leading to ideological extremes.

Civic Engagement

Individual and collective actions designed to identify and address issues of public concern.

Sociological Imagination

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

Descriptive Research

Research that provides a detailed account of a phenomenon or situation.

Perception

The process by which individuals interpret and make sense of sensory information.

Socialization

The lifelong process through which individuals learn and internalize the norms and values of their society.

Political Socialization

The process by which people acquire their political beliefs and values.

Consensus

General agreement among a group, often leading to shared social norms.

Bystander Effect

The phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present.

Social Control

The means by which society regulates individual behavior to ensure conformity and compliance.