Sociology Measurement and Concepts Quiz

Chapter 1: Sociology: Perspective, Theory, and Method

• Sociology is the systematic study of human society
• It focuses on seeing the general in the particular, identifying patterns in individual behavior shaped by societal factors like age, sex, income, ethnicity, etc.
• It also entails seeing the strange in the familiar, understanding that societal forces influence our decisions and behaviors.
• Emile Durkheim's research on suicide demonstrates how social forces influence even personal choices, with certain demographics exhibiting higher rates of suicide than others.
• Sociologists note that individuals from particular groups (e.g., males, Protestants, wealthy, unmarried) are more likely to commit suicide, whereas others (females, Jews, Catholics, poor, married) exhibit a lower likelihood of suicide.

Seeing Sociologically: Marginality & Crisis

• For some groups, being outside the dominant societal norms is a common experience.
• Periods of significant societal change or crisis can lead to feelings of imbalance and often heightened awareness of sociological perspectives.

Importance of Global Perspective

• Our location significantly influences our lives.
• Global interconnectedness through technology and economics is increasing.
• Many significant societal problems faced in countries like Canada often have deep roots or are more severe elsewhere.
• A global perspective helps one gain insight into oneself and one's own society.

Benefits of Sociological Perspective

• It helps with evaluating the validity of common sense.
• It allows for understanding societal opportunities and limitations.
• It encourages active societal participation.
• It enables navigating the complexities of a diverse world.
• Sociologists often work as researchers for government agencies, private organizations, and businesses.

The Origins of Sociology

• Significant social changes, including industrial technology, urbanization, and democratic ideals contributed to a greater understanding of society.
• Auguste Comte's stages of societal development (theological, metaphysical, scientific) contributed to the development of sociological theory & its basis in scientific inquiry.
• Positivism, a belief that society can be studied scientifically, emerged during this time.

Sociological Theory

• Theory, in a sociological context, explains how and why certain facts are related.
• Theoretical approaches guide sociological thinking and research. Some key approaches include:
  • Structural-functional
  • Social-conflict
  • Symbolic-interaction

Structural-Functional Approach

• This approach views society as a complex system comprised of interconnected parts that work together to promote stability and solidarity.
• Social structure refers to relatively stable patterns of social behavior.
• Social functions refer to the consequences of a social pattern for society as a whole. This can include both manifest (intended) and latent (unintended) functions, as well as dysfunctions (disruptive patterns).

Social-Conflict Approach

• This perspective examines society as an arena of inequality that produces conflict and change.
• Societies are structured in ways that benefit some groups at the expense of others.
• Factors like race, class, and gender often link to social inequality.

Gender-Conflict (Feminist) Theory

• This perspective examines societal inequality and conflict between men and women.
• It emphasizes social equality for women and men, challenging patriarchal and sexist norms.
• The insights of female sociologists, like Harriet Martineau, are crucial to this approach.

Race-Conflict Theory

• This perspective highlights inequality and conflict between people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
• It emphasizes the contributions of minority researchers in shaping the field of sociology. (e.g., W.E.B. Du Bois, Cecil Foster, Daniel G. Hill).

Symbolic-Interaction Approach

• This approach focuses on micro-level social interactions in specific situations.
• It views society as the product of everyday interactions among individuals.

Critical Review of Theoretical Approaches

• Structural-functional theory often overlooks social inequalities of class, race, and gender.
• Social-conflict theory can downplay shared values and mutual interdependence, which sometimes unify society.
• Symbolic-interaction theory may neglect larger social structures and cultural influences.

Applying Theory: Major Theoretical Approaches

• Different approaches offer varied views of society and provide different ways of asking core questions.
  • Structural-functional emphasizes stability and interconnected parts.
  • Social-conflict highlights inequalities and conflict as driving forces.
  • Symbolic-interaction focuses on micro-level interactions and the meaning people ascribe to them.

Positivist Sociology

• This approach bases knowledge on direct observation, applying scientific principles and logical thinking to understand social behavior.

• Essential components include:

  • Science: applying logic and systematic observation.
  • Empirical evidence: verifiable information.
  • Concepts: mental constructs representing social reality.

• Valid and reliable measurement are essential aspects of positivist research.

• Reliability and Validity:

  • Reliability: consistency in measurements.
  • Validity: precision in measuring exactly what's intended.

Research Ethics

• Ethical research practices:
  • Competence and objectivity in research.
  • Accurate data disclosure.
  • Protection of subject safety, rights, and privacy.
  • Informed consent and responsibilities of participants.
  • Transparency regarding funding sources.
  • Cultural sensitivity

Research Methods

• Research methods refer to the specific strategies used to collect and analyze data when exploring certain issues and concepts related to society, e.g.,
  • Experiments: investigating cause and effect under strict conditions.
  • Participant observation: interacting with study participants in their routine activities.
  • Using existing data: Analyzing existing data collected by others.

Survey Research Terms

• Survey: gathering data by asking questions.
• Population: entire group of interest.
• Sample: a subgroup of the population.
• Questionnaire/interview: written statements/questions for collecting data.

10 Steps in Sociological Research

• Select and define topic.
• Review literature on the topic.
• Develop key questions.
• Assess study requirements.
• Consider ethical issues.
• Select methodology.
• Collect data.
• Interpret findings.
• State conclusions.
• Publish findings.

Gender and Research

• Androcentricity/Gynocentricity: approaching the topic from a male-only or female-only perspective.
• Overgeneralizing: applying findings from one sex to both.
• Gender blindness: neglecting the impact of gender.
• Double standards.
• Interference.