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

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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”

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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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?)

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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