Sociology Research Methods

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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).

A systematic process used by sociologists to study social phenomena.

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

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

A testable statement predicting the relationship between variables.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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