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 role 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

Feminism

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Research Methods

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Experiment

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Survey

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Questionnare

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Interview

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Fieldwork

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Participant Observation

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Secondary Analysis

Answer 12

Research involving the study of data conducted by someone else.

Question 13

Historical Analysis

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Quantitive Data

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Qualitative Data

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Sociological Discourse

Answer 16

a discourse is a way of reflecting on data and observations made about people or an event. Opinions are based upon a collection of beliefs, ‘truths’, myths and the language of a culture/subculture.

Question 17

Stereotype

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Youth

Answer 18

A socially constructed, age-based, social category appropriate to Western societies which usually includes young people between the ages of 12 and 14.

Question 19

Adolescence

Answer 19

A term with strong biological associations describing the period of onset puberty to full physiological maturation.

Question 20

Prejudice

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Discrimination

Answer 21

The unequal treatment (actions) towards a category of people.

Question 22

Ethnicity

Answer 22

The particular cultural features that are shared by a distinctive group or population. The social traits shared by these groupings include

Question 23

Social Class

Answer 23

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 interchangeably with social class

Question 24

Intergenerational inequity

Answer 24

Disadvantage that passes across multiple generations within the one family.

Question 25

Gender

Answer 25

Refers to the socially and culturally constructed categories of feminine and masculine, as compared to the biological categories of sex (female and male).

Question 26

Sexual Orientation

Answer 26

Refers to a person’s physical and/or attraction to the same and/or opposite gender.

Question 27

Baby Boomers

Answer 27

A social category encompassing Australians who were born between 1946 and 1964.

Question 28

Generation Y

Answer 28

A social category encompassing Australians who were born between 1980 and 1994.

Question 29

Generation Z

Answer 29

A social category encompassing Australians who were born between 1995 and 2009

Question 30

Digital Native

Answer 30

A person born into a generation in which information and communication technology (ICT) already existed, and who has therefore used ICT from a young age.

Question 31

Digital Immigrant

Answer 31

A person who was born before the prevalence of information and communication technology (ICT) and subsequently learnt to use it later in life.

Question 32

Generation X

Answer 32

The generation of people born between 1963 and 1980. They are described as being individualistic, flexible, technologically proficient and possessing a strong work/life balance.

Question 33

Subculture

Answer 33

A minority group containing members who are categorised with shared characteristics or interests such as norms, values, ethnicity, social class or sexual orientation.