Soc Lesson 4

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of scientists, including sociologists, in conducting methodical studies?

To make predictions and generalizations based on empirical research (correct)

To rely on magic, superstition, or widespread beliefs

To follow common sense or what 'everyone knows' to be true

To support or refute widely held beliefs about how society functions

What is a science, according to the first definition?

A type of superstition

A body of organized, verified knowledge (correct)

A method of study

A corpus of categorized, validated knowledge

Why is sociology considered a science?

Because it creates a corpus of categorized, validated knowledge

Because it employs scientific methods of inquiry

Because it rejects myth, folklore, and wishful thinking

All of the above (correct)

What is the primary difference between inductive and deductive reasoning?

Inductive reasoning involves moving from the particular to the universal Signup and view all the answers

What is a theoretical notion in research?

A idea that can be expressed verbally or symbolically Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for researchers to detail their methodology?

So that others can review and criticize their work Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between common sense and scientific knowledge?

Common sense is based on widespread beliefs, while scientific knowledge is based on empirical research Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of theory building in research?

To develop universal theories from particular data Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of data in deductive reasoning?

To test a hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of sociology as a science?

It provides a method of study for understanding human social behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the foundation of science?

Verifiable evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between scientific observation and regular observation?

Scientific observation avoids making assumptions and checks for accuracy Signup and view all the answers

What does precision refer to in scientific observation?

The degree of measurement Signup and view all the answers

Why is scientific observation considered systematic?

Because it is gathered in a planned, methodical programme Signup and view all the answers

What is objectivity in scientific observation?

The ability to view facts as they are, rather than how one may wish they were Signup and view all the answers

What is the first objective of science?

To explain why something occurs Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of generalization in science?

To create claims that apply to a larger population or circumstance Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the observer in scientific observation?

To remain objective and unaffected by personal values and biases Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible explanation for the statistical association between paying taxes and wearing swimsuits?

The tax filing deadline coincides with the start of the summer season Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a fictitious partnership?

The link between paying taxes and wearing swimsuits Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of sociology as a scientific approach?

It uses empirical observation and data analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of peer review and replication in sociology?

To guarantee the accuracy and dependability of results Signup and view all the answers

Why do some argue that sociology cannot be a science?

Because it is too complex and subjective Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of sociological explanations for social phenomena?

To develop explanations that can be tested and refuted Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of height related to in everyday life?

A measurement of a physical object's height from top to bottom Signup and view all the answers

What are the two parts of a concept?

A definition and a sign Signup and view all the answers

How do we typically acquire definitions of concepts?

Through socialization and cultural norms Signup and view all the answers

What happens when we use a concept incorrectly?

We receive confused looks or corrections Signup and view all the answers

Why are common language concepts often ambiguous and hazy?

Because they are influenced by cultural ideals and experiences Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between correlation and causation?

Correlation is a statistical relationship, while causation is a cause-and-effect relationship Signup and view all the answers

What are the three conditions that must be met to prove causality?

The two variables must be related, the cause must occur before the effect, and the relationship must hold even after controlling for all other variables Signup and view all the answers

What is a bogus relationship between two variables?

An apparent relationship that means nothing Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a bogus relationship between two variables?

The relationship between swimsuit sales and the tax filing deadline Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between social scientific ideas and common conceptions?

Social scientific ideas are technical, while common conceptions are general Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is Science?

Verifiable evidence is the foundation of science, which involves factual observations that can be verified by other observers through measuring, counting, and accuracy checks.
Scientific observation is different from regular observation in that it is accurate, precise, systematic, and objective, avoiding assumptions and personal biases.
The goals of science include explaining why something occurs, generalizing to a larger population, and predicting what will happen in the future based on current knowledge.

Theory Building Process

Inductive vs. Deductive

Inductive process: converting particular data into universal theories, moving from the specific to the general.
Deductive process: turning general theories into specific hypotheses that can be tested, moving from the general to the specific.

Concepts and Variables

Concepts are the building blocks of theory, expressed verbally or symbolically, and exist in both natural science and social science.
Concepts have two parts: a definition and a sign (a word, phrase, or written character).
Concepts can be learned through experience, examples, and socialization, and can be ambiguous and context-dependent.

Causation vs Correlation

Sociologists must be careful to distinguish between correlation (where two variables are related) and causation (where a change in one variable causes a change in another).
To prove causality, three conditions must be met: correlation, temporal order, and control for other variables.
Apparent associations between variables can be spurious or coincidental, and require careful analysis to establish causality.

Is Sociology a Science?

Sociology investigates social phenomena using scientific approaches, including empirical observation, data analysis, and theory development.
Sociology seeks to explain social phenomena using testable and refutable theories, and employs peer review and replication to ensure accuracy and reliability.
While some argue that sociology cannot be a science due to the complexity and subjectivity of social processes, others contend that sociology can qualify as a science if it follows sound scientific principles and practices.

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Description

Explore the basics of science and its application in sociology. Learn about inductive and deductive reasoning, concepts and variables, and the difference between causation and correlation.