Sociology As A Science

Sociologists use the Scientific Method A systematic, organized series of steps that emphasize objectivity and consistency

5 Steps Used in the Scientific Method Define the problem. Review the literature. Formulate a hypothesis. Design a research plan and collect data. Analyze the data and develop a conclusion.

Ethical Concerns Researchers in sociology must consider ETHICS – principles of conduct concerning what is good or moral or right.

Professional competence The ASA (American Sociological Association) code of ethics includes five general principles: Professional competence Sociologists only conduct research for which they are qualified Integrity Sociologists must be honest, fair and respectful of other. They must not knowingly make false or misleading statements

ASA Code of Ethics (cont): Professional and Scientific Responsibility Sociologists follow scientific standards and accept responsibility for their work Respect for people’s rights, dignity and diversity Sociologists acknowledge the rights of others to hold values, attitudes and opinions that differ from their own.

ASA Code of Ethics (cont): Social responsibility Sociologists apply and make public their knowledge in order to contribute to the public good.

Applying Sociology Understanding Issues Sociology can help us better understand today’s issues Capital punishment Health Care

Applying Sociology Overcoming traditional barriers Sociology can speak to all people, not just to the dominant members of a society or group

Applying Sociology Coming Up with Solutions If we better understand today’s problems, we have the tools to help solve them

The Development of Sociology The Enlightenment – an era in which scientific knowledge was applied to human society. Enlightenment thinkers believed that they could solve social, political & economic problems using reason

Sociology Today Theoretical Perspectives A perspective is a way of seeing things Today, three major theoretical perspectives illustrate different ways to approach the study of society:

The Functionalist Perspective People who view society as an organism. Every part has a function, and overall a society tends to operate smoothly.

Functionalist Perspective Dysfunction – Anything that inhibits or disrupts the working of the system as a whole. Threatens the stability of a society.

Functionalist Perspective Manifest Functions – functions that are apparent and conscious Ex: School systems have the manifest function of teaching basic knowledge and skills

Functionalist Perspective Latent Functions – functions that are often unconscious, unintended, or hidden. Ex: School systems have the latent function of passing on mainstream culture and uniting people to core values

The Conflict Perspective Concentrating on aspects of society that encourage competition and change Conflict theorists may identify groups that have different interests, such as various political groups or people from different parts of an organization, and study how they work out their differences According to conflict theorists, social conflict arises from competition over limited resources

The Interactionist Perspective The study of how individual respond to each other View society as a collection of small interactions; they are much more interested in the small parts than in society overall Emphasize the role played by Symbols. Members of a group or a society understand the social meaning of the symbols they share. EX: Team Mascot The American Flag