Chapter 1 Sociological Perspectives and Sociological Research l

Chapter 1, Sociological Perspectives and Sociological Research l l l l What is Sociology? The Significance of Diversity The Development of Sociological Theory Doing Sociological Research The Tools of Sociological Research Prediction and Sampling Research and Ethics: Is Sociology Value-Free?

What Is Sociology? l l l Study of human behavior viewed in society. A scientific way of thinking about society and its influence on human groups. Topics include social behavior and social change.

Disciplines of Sociology l l l Psychology Anthropology Political Science Economics Social Work

Debunking l l l Looking at behind-the-scenes patterns and processes that shape behavior. Questioning actions and ideas that are usually taken for granted. Acting as “an outsider within. ”

Sociology and the Enlightenment l l Characterized by faith in the ability of human reason to solve society’s problems. Belief that natural laws and processes in society could be discovered and used for the general good.

Influence of the Enlightenment l l Positivists believed that society could be studied using the techniques of the natural sciences. Humanitarianism is based on the belief that human reason can successfully direct social change for the betterment of society.

Development of Sociology in Europe l l l Comte coined the term sociology and elaborated the positivist basis of sociology. Tocqueville described the U. S. in the sociological treatise, Democracy in America. Martineau wrote one of the first methods books on participant observation.

Classical Sociological Theory l l l Durkheim identified social facts as a pattern of behavior that can be explained external to individuals. Marx devoted his work to explaining how capitalism shaped society. Weber developed the concept of verstehen, seeing things from others point of view.

The Development of American Sociology l l American sociologists believed sociology could be used to solve social problems. The Chicago School was characterized by concern with the relationship of individual to society and the use of society as a human laboratory.

Theoretical Frameworks in Society l l l Functionalism - emphasizes order and views disorganization as the impetus for change. Conflict Theory - emphasizes the role of coercion and power in producing social order. Symbolic Interaction -considers social interaction to be the place where “society” exists.

Sociological Research l l l Derives from the scientific method. Research differs in how strictly it adheres to the scientific method. Both quantitative and qualitative studies are used in modern sociology.

The Research Process l l l Develop a research question. Create a research design. Gather data. Analyze data. Reach conclusions and report results.

Tools of Sociological Research l l l Survey: Polls, Questionnaires, and Interviews Participant Observation Controlled Experiments Content Analysis Historical Research Evaluation Research