1. 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.

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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.

6. 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?)

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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