Quiz 1 Flashcards
(63 cards)
What is the Sociological Imagination?
The ability to see the relationship between individual experiences and larger social influences
Coined by C. Wright Mills, it emphasizes understanding personal troubles in the context of public issues.
Define Sociology.
The study of society and social behavior
It examines the development, structure, and functioning of human society.
What does ‘strange familiar/familiar strange’ refer to?
The concept of viewing the familiar in a new light and the strange as something more familiar
It encourages critical thinking about societal norms.
What are personal troubles of milieu?
Issues that occur within an individual’s immediate environment
They contrast with public issues of structure.
What are public issues of structure?
Problems that affect large groups and are often rooted in societal institutions
They go beyond individual experiences.
Define social location.
The social context that influences an individual’s identity and perspective
It includes factors like race, class, gender, and age.
What is the debate between agency and structure?
The discussion of whether individuals have the power to act independently (agency) or are constrained by social structures
It is a central theme in sociology.
What does structuration refer to?
The theory that social practices are recursively linked to the structures that shape them
Introduced by Anthony Giddens.
What is methodology in research?
The systematic approach to studying social phenomena
It includes various methods like qualitative and quantitative research.
What is participant observation?
A qualitative research method where the researcher immerses themselves in the environment being studied
It aims to gain a deep understanding of social practices.
What are the strengths of participant observation?
Provides in-depth insights and context
It allows for the collection of rich qualitative data.
What are the weaknesses of participant observation?
Potential bias, ethical concerns, and time-consuming
Researchers may influence the environment.
What are experiments in sociology?
Research methods that involve manipulation of variables to determine cause and effect
They often include control groups.
What is the difference between causation and correlation?
Causation indicates one event causes another, while correlation indicates a relationship without direct causation
Spurious correlation can occur when two variables appear related but are influenced by a third variable.
What are case studies?
In-depth examinations of a single instance or event
They provide detailed qualitative data about specific cases.
What is secondary analysis?
The analysis of data collected by someone else
It allows researchers to draw new conclusions without collecting new data.
What are unobtrusive measures?
Research methods that do not involve direct interaction with subjects
They include content analysis and observation.
What ethical issues are associated with research?
Informed consent, privacy, and risks to vulnerable populations
Ethical considerations are crucial in conducting research.
What were the Tuskegee Experiments?
A controversial study where African American men were misled about their treatment for syphilis
It raised significant ethical concerns regarding informed consent.
What is the role of an IRB?
Institutional Review Board that reviews research proposals to ensure ethical standards are met
It protects the rights and welfare of research subjects.
Define classical theory in sociology.
Foundational theories that shape the discipline of sociology
Includes key thinkers like Marx, Weber, and Durkheim.
What is Marx’s perspective in sociology?
Focus on conflict and class struggle
He emphasized the role of economic power in social relations.
What does Weber’s concept of rationalization refer to?
The process by which traditional modes of thinking are replaced by a focus on efficiency and logic
It leads to disenchantment in society.
What is disenchantment in Weber’s theory?
The loss of magical and mystical elements of life due to rationalization
It reflects a shift towards a more secular and scientific worldview.