Sociological Research Methods and Social Norms

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and definitions from the sociological research methods and discussions on social norms, illustrating the principles described in the lecture notes.

Empirical Test

A method of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to test hypotheses in sociology.

Social Norm

Rules and expectations by which a society guides the behavior of its members.

Negative Sanctions

Reactions from others that enforce social norms, often involving subtle signs of disapproval.

Status

A social position that an individual occupies, which can be either ascribed or achieved.

Role

Expressions and behaviors associated with a specific status in a social context.

Ethnocentrism

The tendency to view one’s own culture as superior and to use it as the standard for evaluating other cultures.

Cultural Relativity

The principle that a culture should be understood in terms of its own values and practices.

Impression Management

The process by which individuals control how others perceive them in social interactions.

Face Work

Strategies used to maintain one's social image or restore it if it is threatened.

Social Construction of Reality

The process by which people collectively create and agree upon meanings that shape how they view the world.