Questions and Answers
Which of the following best describes sociology as a subject?
Wright Mills once said that sociologists need to develop a sociological ________ to study how society affects individuals.
imagination
A sociologist defines society as a group of people who reside in a defined area, share a culture, and who:
interact
Seeing patterns means that a sociologist needs to be able to:
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What is figuration?
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What is sociological imagination?
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Which of the following was a topic of study in early sociology?
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Which founder of sociology believed societies changed due to class struggle?
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The difference between positivism and antipositivism relates to:
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Which would a quantitative sociologist use to gather data?
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Weber believed humans could not be studied purely objectively because they were influenced by:
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What is antipositivism?
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What is positivism?
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What is qualitative sociology?
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What is quantitative sociology?
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What does verstehen mean?
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Which of these theories is most likely to look at the social world on a micro level?
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Who believed that the history of society was one of class struggle?
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Who coined the phrase symbolic interactionism?
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A symbolic interactionist may compare social interactions to:
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Which research technique would most likely be used by a symbolic interactionist?
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What is conflict theory?
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What is dramaturgical analysis?
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What is dynamic equilibrium?
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What are dysfunctions?
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What is function in sociology?
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What is functionalism?
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What are grand theories?
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What are latent functions?
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What is macro-level?
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What are manifest functions?
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What are micro-level theories?
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What are paradigms?
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What are social facts?
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What is social solidarity?
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What is symbolic interactionism?
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What is theory in sociology?
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Study Notes
Key Concepts in Sociology
- Sociology: The systematic study of society and social interactions, focusing on patterns of behavior and structure.
- Sociological Imagination: The ability to see how personal experiences relate to societal structures and history, as defined by Wright Mills.
- Society: Defined as a group of people residing in a specific area, sharing a culture, and interacting with one another.
Sociological Perspectives
- Symbolic Interactionism: Examines micro-level social interactions, comparing social behaviors to theatrical roles; emphasizes communication through language and symbols.
- Conflict Theory: Views society as a struggle for limited resources, with society changing due to class struggles, notably proposed by Karl Marx.
- Functionalism: A macro-level approach that sees society as a system of interrelated parts, each fulfilling functions to maintain societal stability.
Research Methodologies
- Quantitative Sociology: Utilizes statistical methods, such as large surveys, to gather numerical data.
- Qualitative Sociology: Involves in-depth interviews, focus groups, and content analysis for more nuanced understanding of social phenomena.
- Antipositivism: Advocates for subjective interpretation in research to capture social processes and cultural norms.
Important Theories and Terms
- Dramaturgical Analysis: A concept that views social interactions as performances, emphasizing the roles individuals play.
- Dynamic Equilibrium: A state of balance where all parts of a society work together effectively.
- Dysfunctions: Negative consequences that disrupt social order.
- Manifest vs. Latent Functions: Manifest functions are intended and recognized outcomes of social processes, while latent functions are unintended and unrecognized consequences.
Historical Context and Contributions
- Early Sociology Topics: Included the study of economics, shaping foundational sociological theories.
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Key Theorists:
- Karl Marx: Emphasized class struggle as a driving force in societal change.
- Herbert Blumer: Coined the term "symbolic interactionism" and focused on the importance of individual interactions.
- Emile Durkheim: Known for his work on social facts and the importance of social solidarity.
Additional Concepts
- Social Facts: Laws, morals, and values that shape societal behavior.
- Social Solidarity: The social ties binding individuals in a community, based on kinship, location, or shared beliefs.
- Paradigms: Theoretical frameworks within sociology that guide research and theory development.
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Description
Test your understanding of key concepts in sociology with these flashcards from Chapter 1. Each card poses a question about the fundamental elements of sociology and social interaction. Perfect for quick study and review!