Sociology Unit 1

Question 1

Scientific Methods

Answer 1

Research based on observable, empirical and measurable evidence that precedes from observation, hypothesis-testing then evaluation.

Question 2

Sociological Imagination

Answer 2

A form of critical thinking that examines the social world from multiple points of view. It sees the social in individual behaviour.

Question 3

Theory

Answer 3

A theory is a statement about the way the world is believed to work. The ole of sociological theories is to explain social behaviour in the real world. For example, why are some people racist or sexist or ageist?

Question 4

Sociological Perspective

Answer 4

A sociological perspective is a collection of theories that provides researchers with a model to guide and reflect upon their social research.

Question 5

Feminism

Answer 5

A theoretical perspective that advocates for gender equality by opposing sexism and patriarchy.

Question 6

Research methods

Answer 6

The ways in which researches collect data, conduct research and analyse findings.

Question 7

Experiment

Answer 7

Controlled research that involves testing the effect of one variable on another variable, usually by comparing results from a control group to an experimental group.

Question 8

Survey

Answer 8

Research involving participants responding to a set of questions or statements that are usually analysed statistically.

Question 9

Questionaire

Answer 9

Research involving a set of planned questions for participants to answer which is usually analysed statistically

Question 10

Interview

Answer 10

Research whereby a participant is asked to answer a series of questions through a one-on-one conversation.

Question 11

Fieldwork

Answer 11

Research involving the careful observation and recording of participant behaviour in a naturalistic setting.

Question 12

Participant observation

Answer 12

Research involving the careful watching and recording of participant (subject) behaviour in a clinical or naturalistic setting.

Question 13

Secondary Analysis

Answer 13

Research involving the study of data conducted by someone else.

Question 14

Historical analysis

Answer 14

Research involving the use of primary sources and other original evidence to form accounts of the past.

Question 15

Quantitate data

Answer 15

Numerical information that has been collected in research that reflects the amount or ‘quantity’ of what is being studied.

Question 16

Qualitative data

Answer 16

Descriptive information that has been collection in research that includes words, descriptions, pictures and other ‘qualities’ of what is being studied. Commonly used in the social sciences.

Question 17

Ethnicity

Answer 17

The particular cultural features that are hared by a distinctive group or population. The social trials shared by these groupings include nationality, ideology and lifestyles. Common languages, common cultural and religious practices and a common ancestry support the ethnic identity.

Question 18

Cultural hybridity

Answer 18

The process of combining and drawing upon different cultural and ethnic identities to create a new hybridised culture, slightly changing the dominant culture in the process.

Question 19

Social class

Answer 19

The social identity and status of groups of people based on shared social and economic background. In Australia, the term socioeconomic status (SES) is often used interchangeable with social class.

Question 20

Intergenerational inequality

Answer 20

Disadvantages that passes across multiple generations within the one family.

Question 21

Prejudice

Answer 21

A positive or negative prejudgement (attitude) about an entire category of people.

Question 22

Discrimination

Answer 22

The unequal treatment towards a category of people.

Question 23

Stereotype

Answer 23

Assumptions about individuals based on their social group membership rather than individual characteristics.

Question 24

Ethnicity

Answer 24

The particular cultural features that are shared by a distinctive group or population. The social traits shared by these groupings include nationality, ideology and lifestyles. Common language, common cultural and religious practices and a common ancestry support the ethnic identity.

Question 25

Social class

Answer 25

The social identity and status of groups of people based on shared social and economic background.

Question 26

Social sustainability

Answer 26

A type of social planning that puts into place arrangements to meet the social needs of the current generation without compromising the institutional stability and viability of future generations.