Sociology Research Methods
47 Questions
3 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the first step in conducting sociological research?

  • Formulating a hypothesis
  • Reviewing the literature
  • Collecting the data
  • Selecting a researchable problem (correct)
  • Qualitative research designs begin with a theory and then collect data to test it.

    False (B)

    What is an operational definition?

    An operational definition specifies the variables in a study so they can be measured.

    In a mixed design approach, both __________ and __________ methods are used.

    <p>quantitative, qualitative</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following research tools with their descriptions:

    <p>Survey research = Collecting data through questionnaires Observation = Recording behavior in a natural setting Experiments = Testing hypotheses in controlled conditions Content analysis = Analyzing communication materials Historical research = Studying past events and their impacts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of research design specifically involves testing a theory?

    <p>Quantitative research (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Disseminating research findings is not a necessary step in sociological research.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one example of a descriptive research question?

    <p>Who is homeless, how many are there?</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is sociology primarily concerned with?

    <p>Human behavior and social interaction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The term 'sociology' was coined by August Comte.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the word 'socius' mean in the context of sociology?

    <p>Companion or associate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Sociology helps students understand how human beings are woven as social beings into the ________ of their society.

    <p>fabric</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their descriptions:

    <p>Status = Position in a social structure Role = Expected behavior associated with a status Social group = A collection of people who interact Social institution = Structures that fulfill social needs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of total marks does the end of semester examination account for?

    <p>60% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A student must attend at least eight weeks to earn attendance marks.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is credited with coining the term sociology?

    <p>August Comte</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Functionalism, why do people obey rules and laws?

    <p>They accept the values of society. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Dahrendorf, conflict and consensus are independent concepts in society.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main cause of conflict in society, according to Dahrendorf?

    <p>Differential distribution of authority</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The theory that focuses on disagreements and struggles over power and resources in society is known as _____.

    <p>Conflict Theory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT an emphasis of Functionalism?

    <p>Change (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

    <p>Functionalism = Emphasis on stability and social order Conflict Theory = Focus on struggles over power Authority = Legitimacy of power structures Change = Inevitability of societal evolution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Dahrendorf's theory, authority is constant and remains with individuals.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do individuals in dominant positions in society typically seek to maintain?

    <p>The status quo</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary conflict in Marxism within capitalist societies?

    <p>Conflict between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Marx believed that capitalism would eventually be replaced by a classless, communist society.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term did Marx use to describe the working class?

    <p>proletariat</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Emile Durkheim is known for his work on __________ and social solidarity.

    <p>suicide</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following sociologists with their primary contributions:

    <p>Karl Marx = Class struggle and Marxism Emile Durkheim = Sociology as a science Auguste Comte = Positivism Karl Popper = Hypothetico-deductive model</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Durkheim argued that sociology should focus on individual actions rather than structural social facts.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes Durkheim's view of sociology?

    <p>A holistic study of society and its institutions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the aim of sociology according to Emile Durkheim?

    <p>To discover structural social facts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of data is considered original and gathered specifically for a project?

    <p>Primary data (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cooperation is considered a non-essential element for the existence of society.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary basis of mutuality within a society?

    <p>Likeness of members</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The economic structure of society is based upon the division of __________.

    <p>labor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT one of the research ethics mentioned?

    <p>Utilize secondary data without citations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Differences among individuals do not contribute to the culture of society.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of informed consent in research ethics?

    <p>To ensure participants are aware and agree to the research procedures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Culture is solely based on language and does not include other elements like religion or music.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT considered a basic functional prerequisite of human society?

    <p>Wealth (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are cultural universals?

    <p>Elements, patterns, traits, or institutions common to all human cultures worldwide.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Culture combines elements like symbols, language, values, and ____.

    <p>norms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the elements of culture with their descriptions:

    <p>Symbols = Representations that carry specific meanings Values = Cultural standards for discerning what is good Beliefs = Convictions that people hold to be true Norms = Expectations for behavior within a culture</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which element of culture helps keep people within a particular community together?

    <p>Culture (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Procreation is considered a functional prerequisite of society.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of culture in establishing principles?

    <p>Culture controls society as an integrated system, establishing distinguished standards and behaviors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Sociology

    The scientific study of society, focusing on human behavior and social interaction.

    Statuses

    Different positions individuals hold within a society, carrying expectations and responsibilities.

    Roles

    The expected behaviors and actions associated with a particular status, outlining how one should act in that position.

    Social Groups

    Collections of individuals sharing common goals, interests, or identities, influencing behavior and experiences.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Social Institutions

    Organized systems of social practices that fulfill essential societal needs, influencing social structure and life.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Social Structure

    The organized patterns of social relationships that shape social interaction, influencing how individuals behave and relate to others.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Group Dynamics

    The study of how groups function, including interactions, communication, leadership, and dynamics within the group.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Types of Groups

    Differing types of groups based on size, goals, and relationships, influencing how individuals interact and behave within them.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Class Struggle in Marxism

    Karl Marx's theory that human societies evolve through class struggle, where the dominant class (bourgeoisie) controls production and the working class (proletariat) sells its labor for wages.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Capitalism's inherent instability

    Marx believed that capitalism, like previous economic systems, has internal contradictions that ultimately lead to its downfall and replacement by socialism.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Class Consciousness & Revolution

    Marx predicted that the working class, united by shared grievances, would eventually gain political power and establish a classless communist society.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Historical Materialism

    A critical approach used by Marx to analyze historical and social events, viewing history as a process of class struggle and economic development.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Holistic Approach in Sociology

    Durkheim believed sociology should study society as a whole, not just individuals, and focus on social structures and shared beliefs.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Social Facts in Sociology

    Durkheim's concept of social facts, which are external to individuals and influence their behavior, are like social laws that shape how we act.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Sociology as a Science

    Durkheim's view that sociology should be a science, using objective methods and empirical data to uncover social facts.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Types of Social Solidarity

    Durkheim's emphasis on social solidarity, the bonds that hold society together, can be either mechanical (based on shared beliefs and values) or organic (based on interdependence and specialization).

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Sociological Method

    A systematic process used by sociologists to study social phenomena.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Selecting a Researchable Problem

    Identifying a specific area of interest within sociology, guided by sociological perspectives and curiosity.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Reviewing the Literature

    Examining existing research and scholarly materials to understand the current knowledge on a topic.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Formulating a Hypothesis

    A testable statement predicting the relationship between variables.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Casting Research Questions

    Specific questions that guide your research and help you gather data relevant to your hypothesis.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Creating an Operational Definition

    Specifying how your concepts will be measured and observed in the real world.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Choosing a Research Design

    Choosing a method like surveys, experiments, or observations to collect your data

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Collecting the Data

    The collection of data using your chosen research design, whether it's surveys, interviews, experiments, or observations.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Social Order & Legitimacy

    People follow rules and laws because they accept the values of their society and see its authority as legitimate.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Functional Imperatives

    Social systems have basic needs that must be met for them to survive. These include adaptation to the environment, goal attainment, integration, and latency.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Conflict Theory

    A theory stating that social systems are in constant tension as groups struggle for power and resources.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Dahrendorf's View on Society

    Ralf Dahrendorf argued that society has two primary aspects: conflict and consensus. Both are necessary for society to function.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Authority and Conflict

    The unequal distribution of power creates conflict. Those in positions of authority want to maintain the status quo, while those with less power seek change.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Imperatively Coordinated Associations

    Groups of people organized to achieve common goals, with a hierarchy of power and responsibility.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Conflict Theory Focus

    Conflict theory focuses on the struggles for power and resources within society. It examines how social arrangements benefit certain groups.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Functionalism Criticized

    A criticism of functionalism, arguing that it overemphasizes stability and equilibrium, ignoring real-world conflict and change.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Functional Pre-Requisites

    Basic requirements for a society to function, including food, clothing, shelter, safety, and defense.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Coordination of Human Actions

    The process of coordinating different tasks and actions of individuals within a society.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Primary Data

    The gathering of original data specifically for a research project. Think of it as collecting fresh ingredients for your study.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Secondary Data

    Data obtained from previous studies or for purposes other than the current research. Imagine using pre-made ingredients in your study.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Division of Labor

    The specialization of labor among individuals or groups based on skills and roles.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Procreation

    The ability for a society to perpetuate itself through the birth of new generations.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is Society?

    A group of people living together in an organized way, making collective decisions, and sharing responsibilities.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Likeness in Society

    Shared characteristics among members of a social group, often based on common lineage or cultural affinity.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Socialization

    The process of teaching individuals the values, beliefs, and practices of their society.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Social Control

    The mechanism used to enforce social norms and maintain order within a society.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Reciprocal Awareness in Society

    The interactive nature of social actions, where individuals respond to each other's actions, fostering a sense of belonging.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Culture

    The shared customs, beliefs, values, and practices that define a particular group of people.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Differences in Society

    The differences between individuals, including their professions, beliefs, and experiences, which contribute to the richness and diversity of society.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Cultural Universals

    Elements, traits, or practices that are common across all human cultures worldwide.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Interdependence in Society

    The reliance of individuals on each other for survival and well-being, creating interconnectedness within society.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Cooperation in Society

    The coordinated efforts of individuals within a society to achieve common goals, working together for mutual benefit.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    Course Outline: Applied Sociology (PBPR 203)

    • Course is an introduction to basic sociological concepts and understanding.
    • Students will be introduced to three sociological perspectives.
    • Basic methods of generating social science knowledge will be covered.

    Course Outcomes

    • Students will develop a sociological imagination.
    • Students will gain skills to connect daily experiences to historical contexts.
    • Students will gain awareness of various sociological methods, perspectives, and place within the social sciences.
    • Students will develop the ability to identify local activities' global implications.

    Course Content

    • Week One: Brief note on sociology, definition of sociology, scope of sociology, sociology as a social science and its comparison to other disciplines,. Sociological imaginations.
    • Weeks Three & Four: Max Weber, Major Theoretical Perspectives: Functionalism, Conflict theory, Social construction of reality, The land, people of Ghana and their Spatial Distribution.
    • Week Five: Discussion on Weber's theories.
    • Week Six: Conducting Sociological Research, The scientific method, Research Designs, and Ethics of Research, Traditional Ghanaian Society Structure.
    • Week Seven: Mid-semester Exams.
    • Week Eight: Culture and Society, What is culture and it's significance, Cultural Universals, Importance of culture, living in society, The nature of society.
    • Week Nine: Socialization, What is human nature, the role of socialization. Sociological approaches to the self.
    • Weeks Ten, Eleven & Twelve: Social Structure and Social Interaction; The nature of social structure, Statuses, roles, social groups and social institutions. Elements of Social Structure, The Mass Media, Sociological Perspectives of the Mass Media, Media's Global Reach.

    Examinations and Assessment

    • Mid-semester exam: 40% of the total marks

    • End-of-semester exam: 60% of the total marks;

    • Mid-semester assessment:

      • Class Attendance: 5 marks
      • Interim Assessment: 20 marks
      • Assignment: 15 marks. -Note: a minimum of 10 attendance is required.

    Other Topics

    • Sociology in the context of Africa – traditional African society, the land, people, spatial distribution, vegetation, climate, possible origins of the Ghanaian people, (Different perspectives).
    • Conducting sociological research – methods, tools, analysis, and ethics.
    • The major distinctive contribution of functionalism,
    • Sociological approaches to the self, defining the self, the looking-glass self, socializing institutions (family, religion, peer groups, legal systems, mass media)
    • Social structure and interaction, components of social structure (roles and statuses, social groups, social institutions, and formal organizations); Group size and relationships (dyad, triad group of four, group of five)
    • Choosing leaders and the types of leaders
    • Reference groups, out-group, and in-group.
    • Mass media - types, functions and analysis of its effect/ influence

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Description

    Test your knowledge on the fundamental steps and concepts in sociological research. This quiz covers various research designs, definitions, and methods essential to conducting sociological studies. Answer questions that encompass both qualitative and quantitative approaches.

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser