Chapter 2: examining the social world

Question 1

Empirical knowledge

Answer 1

Knowledge that can be gained through the five senses

Question 2

Scientific knowledge

Answer 2

Based on measurable phenomena

Question 3

Theories

Answer 3

Explanation of how two or more facts are related

Question 4

8 steps to research study

Answer 4

1) define, 2) review existing studies, 3) formulate hypothesis, 4) design plan, 5) select sample, 6) collect data, 7) analyze, 8) draw conclusions

Question 5

Spurious relationship

Answer 5

No relationship between independent and dependent; third variable often changes both

Question 6

Ethnography

Answer 6

Field study that includes self reflection

Question 7

Triangulation

Answer 7

Use of multiple methods to enhance accuracy

Question 8

Early Sociology influences

Answer 8

Religion and philosophy

Question 9

Historical events influencing sociology

Answer 9

Industrial revolution, French Revolution, advances in natural sciences

Question 10

Father of Sociology

Answer 10

August Comte

Question 11

2 main concerns of Comte

Answer 11

What holds society together? Why is there change in society?

Question 12

Ibn Kahldun

Answer 12

(1332-1406) 1st to suggest systematic approach to study the world

Question 13

Sociological theories

Answer 13

Statements of how facts are related

Question 14

Scientific Method

Answer 14

Systematic gathering and recording of data to test ideas

Question 15

Social statics or structure

Answer 15

Provide order, stability and harmony

Question 16

Social dynamics or process

Answer 16

Change and evolution in society

Question 17

Herbert Spencer

Answer 17

2nd Founder of Soc., naturalistic approach to studying society, “survival of the fittest”

Question 18

Scientific Sociology

Answer 18

Focus on pure, objective analysis, modeled on natural sciences

Question 19

Humanistic Sociology

Answer 19

Focus on human capacity to create meaning, cannot be quantified

Question 20

Social Improvement Sociology

Answer 20

Uses knowledge to accomplish something; includes critical, applied and public

Question 21

Symbolic Interaction Theory (social construction, interpretative theory

Answer 21

How people give meaning to everyday experiences. Emphasis on symbols. George Herbert Mead & Iowa School Approach; micro to meso theory

Question 22

Core Self

Answer 22

Connected to symbolic interaction theory; humans interpret new situations based on social position

Question 23

Rational Choice Theory (exchange theory)

Answer 23

People make choices based on utilitarian factors; micro to meso theory

Question 24

Utilitarian

Answer 24

Maximizes rewards and minimizes costs: self interest emphasis

Question 25

Structural-functional perspective (functional theory)

Answer 25

Assume social structure, culture, etc work together to ensure society operates smoothly; meso and macro level; Emile Durkheim, Robert Merton, Talcott Parsons

Question 26

Emile Durkheim

Answer 26

Studied suicide and social integration; connected to Functionalism (structural functional theory)

Question 27

Talcott Parsons

Answer 27

Developed all encompassing theory and analysis of society; connected to Functionalism (structural functional theory)

Question 28

Robert Merton

Answer 28

Focused on middle range theories (can be studied with empirical data) : manifest and latent functions, dysfunctions; connected to Functionalism (structural functional theory)

Question 29

Karl Marx

Answer 29

Father of Conflict Theory; communism

Question 30

Conflict Theory

Answer 30

Conflict is inevitable in any group or society; haves (bourgeoisie) vs have nots (proletariat); meso-macro theory

Question 31

Max Weber

Answer 31

Fits into micro and macro approaches; studied prosperous countries;

Question 32

Harriet Martineau

Answer 32

1st female sociologist, wrote "Society in America" linked to conflict theory

Question 33

W.E.B. Bois

Answer 33

1st African American to receive Phd from Harvard; focused on racial and social improvement issues; cofounded NAACP; linked to conflict theory

Question 34

Ralf Dahrendorf

Answer 34

Added categories to haves and have nots: quasi groups, interest groups, conflict groups; linked to conflict theory

Question 35

George Simmel

Answer 35

Conflict can hold groups together; linked to conflict theory

Question 36

Lewis Coser

Answer 36

Conflict strengthens society; linked to conflict theory

Question 37

Feminist sociological theory

Answer 37

Micro-meso-macro level; men have more privileges than women and minorities; Patricia Hill Collins

Question 38

Verstehen (understanding)

Answer 38

Actions that occur affect our interpretation of the social world and our actions