Assignment #1

By Kai Galbiso
1.Of the three theoretical perspectives, which one would you prefer to use if you were a
sociologist and why?
Out of the three theoretical perspectives I do not think I could choose a specific one.
Every perspective has a major contribution within each other. For example, society has/needs
factionalism because that is what society is as a whole. Without conflict, there will be no change
(conflict) which will them lead to new and (hopefully) improved symbols throughout society
(symbolic interactionism). All three coexist together which then gives us a definition and
meaning of our society. However, If I were to study a specific perspective, I think I would be
most fascinated with conflict because of the social problems that will always be. Such as:
politics, culture, addiction, foreign relations, etc. The list literally goes on forever because there
will always be conflict. I believe that finding a way to find some type of universal law, could
help resolve some conflict; however I do not know what that universal law might be besides the
golden rule (not trying to sound cliche).
2. What is the difference between good and bad sociological research? How can biases be
avoided?
The difference between good and bad sociological research is the process in which the
research is being done. Good research is done without bias and is completely random. Bad
research is usually done with skeptics, non-random testing, and non-constant/random variables.
Biases can be avoided through the Sociologist Research Process of: 1. Problem. 2. Literature. 3.
Hypothesis. 4. Design (population or sample). 5. Collecting. 6. Analyze. 7. Report. If done
right, this process can lead to a consistent, unbiased study.

3. What two agents of socialization have influenced you the most? Can you pinpoint their
influences on your attitudes beliefs, values or other orientations to life?
The biggest agent of influence for me is gender. Not only my gender, but my mother. I
was raised by a single mother, which leads to different socialization than if I were to have a
father around. My mom was not only tough on me, but I was also the man of the house who
also was the father figure to two younger brothers. Through this, throughout my whole life I
have obtained my values, beliefs, attitude and ethics. Another big agent for me is my peers. I
have always had great influences in my life, such as my grandfather. He was an extreme father
figure to me when I did not have one. His success and humble attitude has influenced me my
whole life. Also, I have always had a very strong friend core which helps me and influences me
to work hard and push myself as well as them, they have helped me coexist and learn to interact
with others.
4.Are you a member of any subcultures? Which one(s)? Why do you think that your group is a
subculture and not a counter culture?
I am part of two major subcultures that I can think of: the first, is my heritage on my
fathers side. When I go visit him, there is the obvious American culture, but there is also very
strong Polynesian/Filipino culture that we just live. This is a subculture because it doesnt
oppose any ways of life, it is just its separate way of life that also coexists with the way of life in
America. The second is more of a counter culture. That would be my friend group. When we
go out, we enjoy going against the Norms and opposing what is consider right and culture here
in Utah.