Focus: Sociology is a behavioral science that looks a human behavior in groups. Sociologists must maintain objectivity, perspective and imagination. Sociology does not involve making judgments based on personal bias, but on proven evidence that is often the opposite of what we expect.

Sociologists use the Scientific Method to study What is Sociology? Sociology Study of human behavior in groups What people do? Why they do it? Sociologists use the Scientific Method to study Politics, race, location, gender, culture, socioeconomic issues, etc All interact with each other – causing group behavior

Sociological Perspective? What is a Sociological Perspective? Sociology seeks to see how society “is”, not what it should be Studying groups without attributing your own opinions or values

What is your sociological identity? The collection of group memberships that determine your identity

How many groups make up your social identity? Male or female Sister, brother, child Employee Student Boy/Girl Scout Italian ancestry African American/Latino/Asian American/Caucasion Boyfriend/girlfriend Someone with a disability A survivor of a disease, traumatic incident, loss of family member Volunteer Athlete Artist, etc.

Examples of sociological questions Does the quantity of social ties affect the quality of social ties? (Does having more acquaintances harm or help close friendships?) Is inequality inherited? (Do people raised in poverty go on to different jobs than those who were raised with wealth?) Does working hard guarantee success? (Does working hard determine quality of life or do issues like illness, disabilities, economics, geographic location limit success?)

What kind of Questions do Sociologists Use? Empirical Questions Can be answered by gathering facts Different from other types of questions Theoretical Question What is racism? A questions about ideas that is answered by other ideas Moral Question Should there be racism? A question that asks you to make a value judgment Empirical Question Does racism exist in society? A question that can be answered with observations and investigation Sociology is a Science –using observations and research can provide data that can be measured

What do sociologists look at? CAUSE=Direct result of an action/issue/event CORRELATION= Related to action/issue/event but not necessarily a cause. Ex. You have more of a probability of dying if you go to the hospital.

What is a Sociological Imagination? The ability to see a connection Between you And the larger world View the world through other’s eyes Look beyond commonly held beliefs to hidden meanings