Sociology Test 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the difference between microsociology and macrosociology, and give a possible research scenario for each?

Microsociology is the study of interactions between two individuals while macrosociology studies society as a whole. An example of microsociology would be studying two people in a marriage while an example of macrosociology would be researching American society.

What are the three assumptions of the sociological perspective as presented by Rousseau?

Human beings are social animals. 2. Individuals working in groups create, maintain, and change the social factors that govern their lives. 3. Although social patterns are established by the coordination of individual efforts, over time these social practices are experienced as obligatory.

Contrast the fundamental attribution error with the sociological imagination. How does each one help us to understand society?

The sociological imagination involves understanding a person by looking at social and historical factors, while fundamental attribution error occurs when a person blames an individual for wrongdoing without considering the situational factors.

What point does Rousseau make about social interdependence and a person's individual beliefs?

The possibility that your thoughts are acquired from others. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how social interactions and social institutions create what Berger calls the 'paradox of social existence'.

As society creates us, we create society. The social interactions we have with others may form specific social institutions, shaping our beliefs as individuals just as we shape them within the institutions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a random sample and why is it used in quantitative social science research?

A random sample is a sample of a population where every member has an equal opportunity of being selected. It is used in quantitative research because it best represents the whole of the population. Signup and view all the answers

How does Rousseau explain the formation of social structure?

Social structure is the unique arrangement among the social institutions of a society. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two most pressing problems as explained by Mills in Chapter One of The Sociological Imagination?

<ol> <li>People feel trapped. 2. People can't see the big picture because they lack the sociological imagination.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Microsociology vs. Macrosociology

Microsociology focuses on interactions between individuals, exemplified by studying the dynamics within a marriage.
Macrosociology examines larger social systems, such as investigating trends and structures in American society.

Assumptions of the Sociological Perspective by Rousseau

Humans are inherently social beings, emphasizing the relational aspect of human existence.
Collective efforts in groups actively shape, maintain, and evolve the societal norms and factors influencing life.
Established social patterns, formed through individual coordination, are ultimately perceived as necessary over time.

Fundamental Attribution Error vs. Sociological Imagination

Sociological imagination involves empathizing by considering the social and historical contexts affecting individuals' behaviors.
Fundamental attribution error refers to the tendency to blame individuals for their actions, neglecting situational influences that may have contributed.

Individuals’ beliefs and thoughts are often influenced by their interactions with others, suggesting a shared societal influence on personal perspectives.

Society simultaneously shapes individual identities while individuals influence societal structures through interactions, highlighting a co-constructive relationship.

Random Sample in Quantitative Research

A random sample ensures that every individual in a population has an equal chance of being selected, enabling accurate representation for statistical analysis.

Social structure arises from the unique organization and arrangement of various social institutions within society, reflecting their interconnections.

Pressing Problems Identified by Mills

Individuals often feel trapped within societal constraints, leading to a sense of powerlessness.
A lack of sociological imagination inhibits people from grasping the larger social contexts affecting their lives, resulting in narrow perspectives.

Description

Prepare for your sociology test with these flashcards covering key concepts like microsociology and macrosociology. Explore definitions and potential research scenarios to deepen your understanding. Perfect for revision before the exam!