Chapter 1 Section 3 “Modern Perspectives” Sociology Chapter 1 Section 3 “Modern Perspectives”

Major Theoretical Perspectives Theory: Systematic explanation of relationships among phenomena Theoretical Perspectives: a set of ASSUMPTIONS based on the nature of society Functionalist Interactionist Conflict: Karl Marx

Conflict Perspective Karl Marx Inequality causes competition Competition causes “tension” Tension leads to conflict Conflict leads to change

Interactionist Perspective Weber Focus on how Individuals RELATE-Communicate in society (Social Psychology) Symbol: Anything that stands for something else (Flag) Symbolic Interaction: Interaction between people that takes place through symbols Handshake Military Salute Japan: Bowing when meeting someone…etc

Levels of Analysis Macrosociology: Study of Large Scale systems or society as a whole Microsociology: Study of small-group settings or indiviudual “face to face” interaction Globalization: Development of economic, political, and social relationships that stretch worldwide Read Page 19: “The Spread of Hip Hop”

Globalization: Pros and Cons Which Theoretical Perspective(s) would most likely support the picture on the left? Right? Why?

Chapter 1 Section 4 “Conducting Sociological Research” Sociology Chapter 1 Section 4 “Conducting Sociological Research”

The Research Process Sociologists use various scientific methods to collect data for interpretation Scientific Method: objective, logical, and systematic way of collecting empirical data and drawing conclusions DANGERS: 1) Researchers must prevent own biases from interfering with research 2) Use careful/correct reasoning in drawing conclusions 3) Carry out research in a thoughtful, organized manner (See Page 21 for Process

The Research Process-Page 21 1) Define Problem 2) Review Existing Literature 3) Form a Hypothesis: prediction of relationship between two variables 4) Choose a research design Survey: Questionnaires or interviews Sample: Small number of people from a larger population Experiments Observation Analysis of existing research 5) Collect Data 6) Analyze Data 7) Present Conclusions

Causation and Correlation Variable: Characteristic that can differ from one individual or group to another in a MEASURABLE way Ex: Age, Race, Gender, Marital Status, Education Level are all examples of possible variables for comparison Correlation: Exists when a change in one variable is regularly associated with a change in another variable (Can be positive OR negative) Ex: Cigarette smoke and health problems: The higher the rate of smoking, then the higher the rate of lung cancer (Positive Correlation) Negative Correlation: as people age, they need LESS sleep to feel well rested Spurious Correlation: Two things look related, but is actually affected by a THIRD variable Ex: Deaths and Hospitals. Death rates in hospitals are high, but hospitals DO NOT CAUSE deaths… the third variable is: people with serious illness go to hospitals for help. Serious illness is the reason for the high death rate. Not the hospital itself.

Analysis of Existing Sources Historical Method: examining things from the past (Documents…etc) Content Analysis: Counting number of times that word, phrase, idea, event, symbol, or other element shows up in a given context (How many “profane” words do you hear throughout your school-day?)

Observational Studies Participant Observation: Researchers become directly involved with subjects (Either known to subject OR anonymous) Case Study: INTENSIVE analysis of a person, group, event, or problem

Experiments Experiment: Data gathered under controlled conditions: Usually done in laboratory so researcher can manipulate variables Statistical Analysis: Use of mathematical data: Analyzing data ALREADY collected to see what factors MAY contribute to conditions

Ethics: Three Rules to Follow 1) Subject confidentiality must be protected 2) Deception: how much is too much? 3) Informed Consent: Subjects should have CLEAR explanation of research before participating