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Sociology
Chapter 1 Section 3“Modern Perspectives”
Major Theoretical Perspectives Theory: Systematic explanation of
relationships among phenomena Theoretical Perspectives: a set of
ASSUMPTIONS based on the nature of society Functionalist Interactionist Conflict: Karl Marx
Conflict Perspective Karl Marx Inequality causes
competition Competition causes
“tension” Tension leads to
conflict Conflict leads to
change
Interactionist Perspective Weber Focus on how Individuals RELATE-
Communicate in society (Social Psychology) Symbol: Anything that stands for something
else (Flag) Symbolic Interaction: Interaction between people that takes place
through symbols Handshake Military Salute Japan: Bowing when meeting someone…etc
Levels of Analysis Macrosociology: Study of Large Scale
systems or society as a whole Microsociology: Study of small-group
settings or indiviudual “face to face” interaction
Globalization: Development of economic, political, and social relationships that stretch worldwide
Read Page 19: “The Spread of Hip Hop”
Globalization: Pros and ConsWhich Theoretical Perspective(s) would most likely support the picture on the left? Right? Why?
Sociology
Chapter 1 Section 4“Conducting Sociological
Research”
The Research Process Sociologists use various scientific methods to
collect data for interpretation Scientific Method: objective, logical, and
systematic way of collecting empirical data and drawing conclusions
DANGERS: 1) Researchers must prevent own biases from interfering with research 2) Use careful/correct reasoning in drawing conclusions 3) Carry out research in a thoughtful, organized manner (See Page 21 for Process
The Research Process-Page 21 1) Define Problem 2) Review Existing Literature 3) Form a Hypothesis: prediction of
relationship between two variables 4) Choose a research design
Survey: Questionnaires or interviews Sample: Small number of people from a larger
population Experiments Observation Analysis of existing research
5) Collect Data 6) Analyze Data 7) Present Conclusions
Causation and Correlation Variable: Characteristic that can differ from one
individual or group to another in a MEASURABLE way Ex: Age, Race, Gender, Marital Status, Education Level
are all examples of possible variables for comparison Correlation: Exists when a change in one variable is
regularly associated with a change in another variable (Can be positive OR negative)
Ex: Cigarette smoke and health problems: The higher the rate of smoking, then the higher the rate of lung cancer (Positive Correlation)
Negative Correlation: as people age, they need LESS sleep to feel well rested
Spurious Correlation: Two things look related, but is actually affected by a THIRD variable
Ex: Deaths and Hospitals. Death rates in hospitals are high, but hospitals DO NOT CAUSE deaths… the third variable is: people with serious illness go to hospitals for help. Serious illness is the reason for the high death rate. Not the hospital itself.
Analysis of Existing Sources Historical Method: examining things from
the past (Documents…etc) Content Analysis: Counting number of
times that word, phrase, idea, event, symbol, or other element shows up in a given context (How many “profane” words do you hear throughout your school-day?)
Observational Studies Participant Observation: Researchers
become directly involved with subjects (Either known to subject OR anonymous)
Case Study: INTENSIVE analysis of a person, group, event, or problem
Experiments Experiment: Data gathered under
controlled conditions: Usually done in laboratory so researcher can manipulate variables
Statistical Analysis: Use of mathematical data: Analyzing data ALREADY collected to see what factors MAY contribute to conditions
Ethics: Three Rules to Follow 1) Subject confidentiality must be
protected 2) Deception: how much is too much? 3) Informed Consent: Subjects should have
CLEAR explanation of research before participating