Comte used positivism – scientific observation so that one can be positive of results to study society

Martineau emphasized sociology as a science – focused on feminism

Spencer introduced Social Darwinism – societies are like human bodies – they look to evolve and survive

Marx focused on class conflict – bourgeoise and proletariat

Durkheim believed in mechanical solidarity and organic solidarity He is also famous for his study on suicide

Weber believed in verstehen – putting yourself in someone else’s shoes

Sociologist Major Idea Explanation Comte Positivism Sociology should be based on knowledge that we can be positive or sure Martineau feminism Fought for women’s rights Spencer Social darwinism Evolutionary social change leads to progress Marx Class conflict Struggle between bourgeoise and proletariat Durkheim Mechanical and organic solidarity 4 types of suicide Societies exist because of broad consensus of members of a society Weber Verstehen Understanding social behavior by mentally putting yourself in the place of others

Chapter 2 Research Methods Part of a sociologists job is to ask how and why questions and then form a hypothesis to arrive at accurate understandings.

Two methods for acquiring data Quantitative – uses numerical data Qualitative – narrative and descriptive data

The survey is the most widely used research method among sociologists. Ideal for studying large groups 11

How are effective surveys conducted? Choose the right population (ex. All H.S. seniors in the U.S.) Draw a sample of that population Try to make the sample as accurate as possible (random sample)

How are representative samples selected? A representative sample is an accurate sample A random sample is the easiest way of obtaining a representative sample

How is survey information gathered? Either by giving a questionnaire or an interview

Closed ended surveys are the most effective. 1. What ice cream do you like 2. What is your favorite ice cream? Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Mint, Pistachio

Using information that someone else has gathered 2. Secondary Analysis Using information that someone else has gathered Government Reports Voting List Company Records

Research that takes place in a natural setting 3. Field Research Research that takes place in a natural setting Example: Observing people in a mall

4. Participant Observation Research in which the person doing the observing becomes a member of the observation Example: Observing how the homeless live

What do you think is the most widely used research method for sociologists?