Sociology: Theories & Methods

• Theories explain how various social phenomena operate.
• Various sociological theories are like glasses with different colored lenses, influencing perspective.
• Skimming helps identify main points in readings.
• Annotating readings creates a study guide.

Methods in Sociology

• There are roughly three approaches to sociology.
• Positivist sociology discovers facts through science, which is a logical system of knowledge gained from direct, systematic observation.
• Empirical sociology: another name for positivist sociology, due to its use of empirical evidence.
• It is wrong to assume Canada is a middle-class society in which most people are more or less equal.
• The assumption that most poor people don't want to work is wrong.
• A common misinterpretation: it's not what we don't know that causes trouble, but what we think we know that isn't accurate.

Concepts, Variables, and Measurement

• Concept: A mental construct simplifies a part of the world, like family or economy.
• Variable: A concept whose value changes from case to case, such as height.
• Measurement: A procedure to determine variable value.
• Measurements can vary in ease, with sociological variables being harder to measure.
• Specify what is measured before assigning a value.

Statistics

• Sociologists frequently deal with large populations.
• Descriptive statistics include mean, median, and mode.

Reliability and Validity

• Reliability refers to consistency in measurement, yielding the same results repeatedly.
• Validity refers to measuring what one intends to measure.

Correlation and Causation

• Correlation: Variables change together in a relationship.
• Cause and effect: Change in one variable causes change in another.
• Allows prediction.
• Spurious correlation: an apparent but false relationship caused by an unconsidered variable.

Objectivity

• Objectivity: Maintaining personal neutrality in research.
• Value relevance versus value-free research.
• Max Weber states the difference between science and politics is objectivity.
• Researchers should remain value-free and open-minded during the research process.

Interpretive Sociology

• Interpretive sociology focuses on discovering the meanings people attach to their social world.
• Humans are more than objects.
• Actions are influenced by people's understanding of their actions and surroundings, leading to subjective, qualitative data, and subjective meaning.
• Verstehen (German for "understanding") is a key concept.

Explore sociological theories as lenses shaping perspectives on social phenomena. Understand positivist sociology's reliance on science and empirical evidence. Improve study habits through skimming and annotating readings.