Ch 1: The Sociological View

Question 1

sociological imagination

Answer 1

(p. 3) An awareness of the relationship between an individual and the wider society. It is based on an ability to view society as an outsider might, rather than from the perspective of an insider

Question 2

theory

Answer 2

(p. 7) Sociologists employ theory to explain problems, actions, or behavior. 19th Century thinkers who contributed to the development of sociological theory include Emile Durkheim (suicide), Max Weber (Verstehen - insight), Karl Marx (class-ism), W.E.B. DuBois (conflict/race)

Question 3

functionalist perspective

Answer 3

(p. 15) Holds that society is structured in ways that maintain social stability, so that social change tends to be slow and evolutionary

Question 4

conflict perspective

Answer 4

(p. 17) Emphasizes the importance of conflict between competing social groups, so that social change tends to be swift and revolutionary.

Question 5

feminist perspective

Answer 5

(p. 18) Stresses gender as the key to understanding social interactions. Feminist sociologists charge that too often scholars concentrate on male social roles, ignoring male-female differences in behavior

Question 6

interactionist perspective

Answer 6

(p. 19) Concerned primarily with the everyday ways in which individuals shape their society and are shaped by it. Interactionists see social change as an ongoing and very personal process

Question 7

applied sociology

Answer 7

(p. 32) the practical application of the discipline to problems in human behavior and organizations - is a growing field that includes community research and clinical sociology.

Question 8

sociology

Answer 8

(p. 3) the scientific study of social behavior and human groups

Question 9

scientific methods

Answer 9

(p. 21) systematic, organized series of steps that ensures maximum objectivity and consistency in researching a problem. 
five steps: 
-defining the problem
-reviewing the literature
-formulating a hypothesis
-selecting a research design
-collecting/analyzing data
-concluding

Question 10

research design

Answer 10

(p. 27) a detailed plan or method for obtaining data scientifically

Question 11

survey

Answer 11

(p. 27) a study, generally in the form of an interview or questionnaire, that provides researchers with information about how people think and act

Question 12

interview

Answer 12

(p. 27) 1:2 main forms of a survey; the interview is where a researcher obtains information through face-to-face or telephone questioning

Question 13

questionnaire

Answer 13

(p. 27) 1:2 main forms of a survey; a printed or written form use to obtain information from a respondent

Question 14

quantitative research

Answer 14

(p. 27) research where scientists collect and report data primarily in numerical form

Question 15

control variable

Answer 15

(p. 26) a factor held constant to test the relative impact of the independent variable

Question 16

qualitative research

Answer 16

(p. 28) research where scientists focus on depth, detail, and understanding in the field or natural setting.

Question 17

observation

Answer 17

(p. 28) the most common form of qualitative research; this method allows sociologists to examine certain behaviors and communities that could not be investigated through other research techniques

Question 18

ethnography

Answer 18

(p. 28) popular form of qualitative research; refers to the study of an entire social setting through extended systematic observation - typically the emphasis is on how the subjects themselves view their social life in some setting

Question 19

experiments

Answer 19

(p. 29) an artificially created situation that allows the researcher to manipulate variables

Question 20

Hawthorne effect

Answer 20

(p. 29) the unintended influence of observers or experiments on subjects of research, who deviate from their typical behavior because they realize that they are under observation

Question 21

content analysis

Answer 21

(p. 30) the systematic coding and objective recording of data, guided by some rationale

Question 22

code of ethics

Answer 22

(p. 31) specific standards in conducting research;
1) maintain objectivity and integrity in research
2) respect the subject’s right to privacy and dignity
3) protect subjects from personal harm
4) preserve confidentiality
5) informed consent
6) acknowledge collaboration and assistance
7) disclose all sources of financial support

Question 23

clinical sociology

Answer 23

(p. 33) dedicated to altering social relationships or restructuring social institutions

Question 24

pure/basic sociology

Answer 24

(p. 33) seeks more profound knowledge of the fundamental aspects of social phenomena

Question 25

secondary analysis

Answer 25

(p. 29) refers to a variety of research techniques that make use of previously collected and publicly accessible information and data

Question 26

experimental group

Answer 26

(p. 29) is exposed to an independent variable

Question 27

control group

Answer 27

(p. 29) not exposed to an independent variable

Question 28

control variable

Answer 28

(p. 26) a factor held constant to test the relative impact of the independent variable

Question 29

validity

Answer 29

(p. 25) refers to the degree to which a measure or scale truly reflects the phenomenon under study

Question 30

reliability

Answer 30

(p. 25) refers to the extent to which a measure produces consistent results

Question 31

sample

Answer 31

(p. 24) a selection from a larger population that is statistically representative of that population

Question 32

random sample

Answer 32

(p. 24) every member of an entire population being studied has the same chance of being selected

Question 33

correlation

Answer 33

(p. 24) when a change in one variable coincides with a change in another

Question 34

causal logic

Answer 34

(p. 23) involves the relationship between a condition or variable and a particular consequence, with one event leading to the other

Question 35

hypothesis

Answer 35

(p. 23) speculative statement about the relationship between two or more factors known as variables

Question 36

variable

Answer 36

(p. 23) a measurable trait or characteristic that is subject to change under different conditions

Question 37

independent variable

Answer 37

(p. 23) the variable hypothesized to cause or influence another

Question 38

dependent variable

Answer 38

(p. 23) the variable in which it’s action “depends” on the influence of the independent variable

Question 39

operational definition

Answer 39

(p. 22) is an explanation of an abstract concept that is specific enough to allow a researcher to assess the concept

Question 40

nonverbal communication

Answer 40

(p. 20) symbolic interactions that may include gestures, facial expressions, and postures

Question 41

manifest functions

Answer 41

(p. 17) manifest functions or institutions are open, stated, conscious functions. They involve recognized consequences of an aspect of society

Question 42

latent functions

Answer 42

(p. 17) unconscious or unintended functions that may reflect hidden purposes of an institution

Question 43

dysfunction

Answer 43

(p. 16) refers to an element or process of society that may actually disrupt the social system or reduce its stability

Question 44

macrosociology

Answer 44

(p. 14) concentrates on large-scale phenomena or entire civilizations (Durkheim’s suicide)

Question 45

microsociology

Answer 45

(p. 14) concentrates on small groups, often through experimental means (everyday forms of social interaction - routine encounters job/public place)

Question 46

double consciousness

Answer 46

(p. 13) refers to the division of an individual’s identity into two or more social realities (W.E.B. DuBois)

Question 47

Verstehen

Answer 47

(p. 11) pronounced “Fair-Shtay-en” - German word for understanding or insight (Max Weber)

Question 48

science

Answer 48

(p. 4) refers to the body of knowledge obtained by methods based on systematic observation

Question 49

natural science

Answer 49

(p. 4) the study of the physical features of nature and the ways in which they interact and change

Question 50

social science

Answer 50

(p. 5) the study of various aspects of human society

Question 51

ideal types

Answer 51

(p. 11) a construct, a made-up model that serves as a measuring rod against which actual cases can be evaluated