Module 1: Understanding Sociology

Topic 1

Overview and Objectives

Overview
Sociology 1010 is a survey course in sociological concepts and analysis focusing on social processes, social
organization, and social change. The treatment of social organization centers on social stratification, formal
organization, and social institutions, such as kinship and education. The analysis of change addresses cultural,
social, and demographic patterns. Primary consideration is extended to American cultural and subcultural
traditions.

In this module, we will define sociology, explain the meaning of sociological theory, and identify the
contributions of some important sociological figures. We will also examine the major theoretical perspectives
and make distinctions among them.

Objectives

After completing this module on Understanding Sociology, you will be able to:

Define sociology.
Discuss the meaning of sociological theory and the following terms: scientific method, hypothesis,
sample, validity, reliability, and research design.
Identify the names of important sociological figures.
Compare and contrast the major theoretical perspectives.

To meet the objectives of Module 1, you must complete the following course activities.
All activities are found in the Table of Contents:

o What is Sociology?
o Important Sociological Terms 1
o Important Sociological Terms 2
o Important Sociological Theorists
o Theoretical Perspectives of Sociology
o Check Your Knowledge
o Module Readings
o Lecture NotesSummary

Topic 2
What is Sociology?
Sociology is defined as the scientific study of social behavior and human groups. This simply means that sociology
provides a broad understanding of how people interact and influence each other. It also helps us understand how
groups to which we belong and social organizations contribute in shaping our viewpoints.

Sociology makes us think about our relationship with people with whom we regularly interact; it makes us think about
the behavior of groups of people with whom we may never directly interact. For instance, while out eating or shopping,
you may have noticed that a persons perceived socioeconomic status often determines the quality of customer service
they receive. Likewise, you may have wondered why some students are more likely to participate in class than others.
You may have even wondered if men and women indeed have different management or communication styles.

In essence, sociology gives us a greater insight into what goes on in societywhether it is a confrontation between
street gangs or war between countries; helping a friend in financial need; or contributing to statewide initiatives for
extending aid to disaster regions. As we observe how customs shape others, we become more aware of the forces that
shape us. The types and quality of interactions between humans help shape our communities and, collectively, our
nation.

Thinking sociologically, or using our sociological imaginations, enhances critical thinking skills as we become more
knowledgeable of the many influences on our viewpoints and strive for objectivity in reasoning.

Upon selecting the button below, you will read a scenario that discusses the socio-economic changes that took place in
the town of Blue Valley. While reading the scenario, please keep in mind how structural changes to the towns economy
impacted the interactions and relationships among the social, educational, and labor forces and entities within the town.

Select the button to learn more.

Blue Valley Transformation

Twenty years ago, the town of Blue Valley comprised a majority of citizens who were only high-school graduates. The
main industry was tourism. Almost every household had someone working in the hospitality industry.

Ten years later, a manufacturing factory came up in the town. To get employed there, many citizens of Blue Valley
needed to get a degree and thus continue their education. They began applying for admissions outside town as not
many institutions in Blue Valley provided college education.

Slowly, community colleges began to be established to cater to Blue Valley students. Today, most citizens have a degree,
though not all of them are employed in the manufacturing plant. There are many other industries in Blue Valley other
than tourism and manufacturing.

So, how is this relevant to sociology? It involves studying society and the way people interact. The scenario above has
three groups: the Blue Valley citizens, the manufacturing company, and the tourism industry. There is a relationship or
some type of interaction between the citizens, the manufacturing company, and the tourism industry. There is also
interaction between these individuals and outsiders.

As human beings, we are not isolated. We need to connect with others and that is the only way we learn to be humans.
Topic 3
Important Sociological Terms 1
Like other fields, sociology uses jargon or words that are specific or relevant to it. As you progress throughout
this course, and if you choose to take other sociology courses, there are terms that will often emerge in your
readings and/or discussions. Therefore, it is important that you learn these terms (and others) as well as their
relevance to the field of sociology in order to help you succeed in completing this course or even begin your
career as a sociologist. Please review the terms below to start becoming familiar with the fundamentals of
sociology.

Select each bullet to learn more.

Sociological Imagination

Initially introduced by C. Wright Mills, the term sociological imagination refers to the individuals awareness of
the existing relationship between him or her and the broader society. It also emphasizes looking at the routines,
events, and actions of daily life through a sociological lens.

Social Science

Social sciences are those academic disciplines that study or observe social, political, and economic systems. In
addition, social sciences examine the current, historical, and cultural behavior of individuals in the context of
the aforementioned systems and the broader society. Examples of social sciences include, but are not limited to:
sociology, political science, economics, anthropology, demography, etc.

Natural Science

Natural sciences are those sciences that study or observe the physical features of nature and living beings
including their respective habitats. Natural sciences are also interested in the manner in which nature and living
beings evolve and change. Natural sciences tend to rely heavily on quantitative measurement. Examples of
natural sciences include biology, physics, chemistry, geology, etc.

Theory

Theories are statements that seek to explain problems, behaviors, actions, or systems. As you read your
textbook, you will be introduced to a wide range of theories that seek to explain sociological events.

Verstehen
In German, the word means understanding. It is a methodological framework founded upon the principles of
Verstehen, which claim that to understand a human being, one has to introspect and have empathy and be sure
of ones understanding of oneself.

For example, a sociologist wanted to study the interactions between homeless men. To gain this insight, he
posed as a homeless person himself and lived in the shelters with homeless men.

Anomie

Anomie is a word of French origin. It refers to the lack of norms that one may experience resulting in a sense of
disconnectedness from society. This lack of connection to society may result in behavior that is inappropriate,
deviant, or simply harmful to themselves and other members of society. For example, the emergence of gangs
and/or a gang shoot out is reflective of the anomie existing.

Ideal Type

Introduced by Max Weber, the ideal type, is a term that refers to the mental construct or abstract model that is
used for comparative purposes in order to conduct systematic and concise analyses.

Double Consciousness

The term double consciousness was initially introduced by W.E.B. DuBois. According to DuBois, in order to be
accepted by mainstream society, African-Americans often maintain a double consciousness in that they often
conduct themselves differently in the presence of non-minorities than they do when not in the presence of non-
minorities.

However, this term can be applied to persons other than African-Americans. For example, a minister talking to
men who hang out on the corner. The ministers identity is that of a buddy in the presence of the men while it
is more formal, perhaps structured, as a minister in church on Sunday mornings.

Macrosociology

Macro-sociology refers to sociological analyses conducted on a broader, systemic level. Specifically, macro-
sociology often looks at cultural, social, and economic institutions and phenomena. For example, a comparison
of students from France and the United States in terms of the number of hours spent studying various subjects
would be a subject reflective of macro-sociology.

Micro-sociology

Unlike macro-sociology, micro-sociology examines social behavior on a smaller scale. Specifically, micro-
sociology refers to social behavior between and among individuals. For instance, an analysis of the interactions
between a stepparent and stepchild would be of interest to or reflective of micro-sociology.

Topic 4

Important Sociological Terms 2

Here are some more important sociological terms with examples.

Select each bullet to learn more.

Manifest Function

Introduced by Robert Merton, the term manifest function was introduced in the tradition of structural
functionalism. According to Merton, any function that is purposely caused or intended by an institution or
phenomenon is a manifest function. For example, you are in the workplace and are a part of the work team
whose charge is to write a proposal to acquire a $6.5 million grant for a new initiative to start a training arm
within the company. Your goal or intention as a team is to produce a solid proposal in order to get funding for
your company.

Latent Function

Also introduced by Robert Merton, the term latent function refers to unattended results of a social institution or
phenomenon.

Keeping in the mind the previous example of manifest function, the latent function of the effort to acquire a
multi-million grant would be that the work team who was charged with writing the proposal has developed
close friendships among themselves. They now spend time together outside of work, visiting each other, and
going to social events. The bond they developed was not intentional; it was simply an outgrowth or a by-
product of their working together toward a common goal and getting to know each other.

Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal communication is that which occurs using body parts other than ones mouth. For instance, a frown
implies dissatisfaction, displeasure, or disagreement. Do you know anyone who frowns when they are happy?
Not likely.

Dysfunction

Racism is counterproductive in that the dominant race may expend energy and money to suppress a minority
race, and therefore prevent the country from realizing its optimal potential educationally, economically, and
politically.

Globalization

Globalization entails the increasing interconnectedness between and among countries. Due to the continuous
expansion and evolution of technology, countries have become interdependent on one another at unprecedented
levels. As you are probably aware, the stock market in the United States often reacts to the vitality (or lack) of
the European and Asian financial markets and vice versa.

Social Inequality

Social inequality is a condition in which members of society have differing amounts of wealth, prestige, and
power. For example, in the United States, minority groups do not have the power, wealth, and prestige that the
dominant group has. They are more likely to receive a harsher sentence for the same crime than those of the
dominant group.

Basic Sociology

Basic sociology seeks knowledge of sociological phenomena for the sake of understanding them. For example,
one may conduct a study to determine the age when preschoolers initiate interaction with their peers in a
preschool setting. The findings from that study contribute to the knowledge of the researcher and colleagues,
but they are not used to initiate any type of change.

Applied Sociology

Applied sociology uses sociological information for the purpose of practical application. For example, if
research indicates that young children initiate interaction at the age of two, then the researcher might appeal to
his/her congressman to compile a bill that will allocate funds to pay for day care for all county residents who
wish to send their child to day care but cannot afford it.

Important Sociological Theorists

Social theory is defined as a set of statements that seeks to explain problems, actions, or behavior. We will now
identify some important early theorists and discuss their contributions to Sociology.

Select each image to learn more.

August Comte

August Comte was a French philosopher who is credited as the Father of Sociology. He, along with his co-
author St. Simone, was the first to argue there should be a science that studies the social aspects of society. He
advocated positivism, which is the application of the scientific method to study social problems. It should be
noted that the writings of Comte and St. Simone heavily influenced French intellectual Emile Durkheim, and
subsequently, Talcott Parsons.

Harriet Martineau

Harriet Martineau translated much of Comtes work into English. She was one of the earliest feminists.
Martineau visited and toured the United States in 1831, the year of Nat Turners Rebellion, and conducted an
ethnography studying the nuances of gender and race relations in the United States.
Emile Durkheim

Emile (Pronounced eh - m ee l) Durkheim was a French intellectual who introduced the term anomie that
argued that excessive individualism and a lack of societal norms is the root of societal disorganization and
chaos. Conducted much work on suicide.

Karl Marx

Karl Marx was a German philosopher and sociologists who focused on issues pertaining to class. He co-
authored the classic book Communist Manifesto with Friedrich Engels. Marx, who witnessed, the initial
emergence and growth of capitalism, viewed capitalism as the root of social and economic inequality. Based on
his observations, he introduced a theory that provided the underpinnings of what is now commonly referred to
as Conflict Theory.

Max Weber

Max Weber was a German philosopher and sociologist who advocated the use of verstehen (the use of
understanding or insight) in intellectual work. He also presented the concept of the Ideal Type. Like Marx, he
was explored the issues of class and capitalism.

W. E. B. Dubois

W.E.B. DuBois, the first African-American to receive a doctoral degree from Harvard, was a sociologists and
civil rights activist who argued the application of sociology to study issues relevant to African-Americans.
Accordingly, he was the first sociologist to focus on the issues specific to the African American community.
DuBois conducted the first epidemiological study (The Philadelphia Negro) of African Americans in the United
States. He also was co-founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Jane Addams

Jane Addams was a co-founder of the Hull House, a settlement house, a community center located in poor,
urban areas. She worked to improve the life of immigrants and other disfranchised groups.

Ida B. Wells

Ida B. Wells was an early leader of the Civil Rights Movement. As part of her efforts, she published articles that
highlighted the lynching of African Americans. She also worked for the voting rights of women.

Topic 6

Theoretical Perspectives of Sociology

Sociologists use a range of theories to study social problems and phenomena. In order to conduct their research
in a clear, systematic manner, sociologists utilize theories. Although there are a range of theories in the field of
sociology, there are three main paradigms (or theories) that serve as the foundation of sociology. Please keep in
mind that, despite being introduced many years ago by some of the figures you have just reviewed, the theories
have transcended time and remain quite relevant to the study of sociology. Consequently, understanding these
paradigms is critical to understanding sociology. The three paradigms are as follows:

Functionalist perspective: Looks at society and its different parts and how they come together to create
stability. Simply stated, functionalism argues that society is a living organism comprised of many parts that
contribute to its stability and survival.
Conflict perspective: Looks at society based on the tension between different groups and entities. Posits that
such tension originates from inequalities associated with class, race, gender, age, and other social and economic
factors.
Interactionist perspective: Looks at the ways in which individuals or small groups of individuals relate to each
other on a face-to-face basis, including nonverbal communication through the use of symbols.

As previously noted, sociologists rely on theories to examine social problems and phenomena. As the above the
three paradigms are the crux of sociology, we will now apply each of the paradigms to the scenarios below in
order to view the scenarios, or phenomena, through the lens of each of the three paradigms.

Select each tab to learn more.

Blue Valley Example

Clothing Retail Industry Example

If you recall in the Blue Valley scenario, a change in the economy had rippling effects. Now, lets see how each
paradigm may be applied to examine the events in Blue Valley.

Interactionist: Demonstrated by the citizens of Blue Valley in their role as tour guides, they answer questions
and point out sites to the tourists. As fast food workers, citizens interact with tourists and fellow citizens by
taking their order and perhaps suggesting an item on the menu. Hotel workers interact with tourists by trying to
make their stay as pleasant as possible. Those citizens who will go off to college will be interacting with a
variety of academic personnel, such as advisors and professors.

Functionalist: Demonstrated by the hospitality chain contributing stability to the tourist industry throughout the
United States, which includes Blue Valley. The chain makes sure that all aspects of the industry operate
smoothly and in doing so, helps to provides stability to the U.S. economy.

Conflict: Represented by the tension that arises between small tourist businesses throughout the U.S struggling
to survive against the national tourist chains that are displacing them.

Imagine a shopping mall. It is comprised of many different stores, and therefore, it attracts many different types
of people who engage in purchasing as well as socialization activities. Likewise, it employs mass amounts of
people for various reasons. With that in mind, the three paradigms will view, and thus, analyze the purpose and
function of the mall from very different perspectives. Read below.

Interactionist: Two or more girlfriends may shop together and may patronize different stores as they make a
day of it. They select outfits and seek each others opinion about potential selections.

Functionalist: The fashion industry as a whole attracts many shoppers throughout the year and thus contributes
to the economic stability of the nation.

Conflict: Four of the largest clothing retailers compete nationwide to garner the largest share of the market of
womens career attire.
Check Your Knowledge
Using the drop down menus, match each item in Column A to the corresponding item in Column B.

Select the correct options to match each statement and select Submit to review the experts feedback on your
selections.

Column A Column B
Identify the theoretical/sociological
perspective that is exhibited in the type
of exchange that goes on between you
and a potential employer during a job
interview.
Which theoretical perspective is reflected
in the linkage between the automobile
industry and the gasoline industry in
terms of transportation affordability for
citizens in the United States?
Men are in higher ranks in corporate
United States because of mentoring and
company information passed on to them.
Women, however, tend not to reach those
higher positions as they are not made
aware of the same opportunities.

Feedback

The correct answers are indicated with green check marks.

Statement 1: The correct response is interactionist because it is a face-to-face exchange between two
individuals

Statement 2: The correct response is functionalist because these are two groups that are a part of the
transportation industry

Statement 3: The correct response is conflict because it highlights tension between the two groups

Module Readings
Schaefer, Richard T. Chapter 1

Lecture Notes
 Sociology is the scientific study of social behavior and human groups. This chapter examines the nature of
sociological theory, the founders of the discipline, theoretical perspectives in contemporary sociology,
practical applications for sociological theory and research, and ways to exercise the sociological
Mod imagination.
ule
1. The sociological imagination is an awareness of the relationship between an individual and the
2:
wider society. It is based on the ability to view our own society as an outsider might, rather than
Socio from the perspective of our limited experiences and cultural biases.
logic 2. In contrast to other social sciences, sociology emphasizes the influence that groups can have on
al people's behavior and attitudes and the ways in which people shape society.
Rese 3. Knowledge that relies on common sense is not always reliable. Sociologists must test and analyze
arch each piece of information they use.
4. Sociologists employ theories to examine relationships between observations or data that may seem
Topi completely unrelated.
c1 5. Nineteenth-century thinkers who contributed sociological insights included Auguste Comte, a
French philosopher; Harriet Martineau, an English sociologist; and Herbert Spencer, an English
scholar.
O 6. Other important figures in the development of sociology were mile Durkheim, who pioneered
work on suicide; Max Weber, who taught the need for insight in intellectual work; Karl Marx, who
ve emphasized the importance of the economy and social conflict; and W. E. B. DuBois, who
advocated the usefulness of basic research in combating prejudice and fostering racial tolerance
rv and justice.
7. In the 20th century, the discipline of sociology was indebted to the U.S. sociologists Charles
ie Horton Cooley and Robert Merton, as well as to the French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu.
8. Macrosociology concentrates on large-scale phenomena or entire civilizations; microsociology
w stresses the study of small groups.
9. The functionalist perspective emphasizes the way in which the parts of a society are structured to
a maintain its stability.
10. The conflict perspective assumes that social behavior is best understood in terms of conflict or
n tension between competing groups.
11. The feminist view, which is often allied with the conflict perspective, sees inequity in gender as
d central to all behavior and organization.
12. The interactionist perspective is concerned primarily with fundamental or everyday forms of
O interaction, including symbols and other types of nonverbal communication.
13. Sociologists make use of all four perspectives, since each offers unique insights into the same
bj issue.
14. Applied and clinical sociology apply the discipline of sociology to the solution of practical
ec problems in human behavior and organizations. In contrast, basic sociology is sociological inquiry
that seeks only a deeper knowledge of the fundamental aspects of social phenomena.
ti 15. This textbook makes use of the sociological imagination by showing theory in practice and in
current research; by thinking globally; by focusing on the significance of social inequality; by
ve speaking across race, gender, and religious boundaries; and by highlighting social policy around
the world.
s

Overview
This module looks at the purpose of social research. In doing so, this module examines important concepts
related to the field of social research. Specifically, this module will look at the individual and collective roles of
reliability and validity and examine various types of data collection methodologies that may be implemented in
exploring social issues, topics, and problems.

Objectives

After completing this module on Sociological Research, you will be able to:

Explain the Scientific Method.

Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative research designs.
Provide examples of qualitative and quantitative research designs.
Understand the difference between a correlational relationship and a causal relationship.
Identify an independent variable versus a dependent variable.
Discuss the importance of ethics in research.
Understand what Hawthorne effect means.

Module 2 Checklist
To meet the objectives of Module 2, you must complete the following course activities.
All activities are found in the Table of Contents:

o Sociological Research: The Scientific Method

o Research Designs
o Hawthorne Effect
o Technology and Sociological Research
o Ethics of Research
o Check Your Knowledge
o Module Readings
o Lecture Notes
o Summary

Module Readings
Schaefer, Richard T. Chapter 2

Topic 2

Sociological Research Process

Social research comprises a large part of the activities and responsibilities of sociologists. In conducting
research, sociologists able to discern, identify, and clarify the relationships among a plethora of social and
economic factors in terms of issues such as crime, education, health, housing, labor, etc.

Hence, sociologists are often hired by academic, nonprofit organizations and government agencies to conduct
research that many times has substantial policy implications (e.g., colleges and universities, U.S. Census
Bureau, U.S. Center for Disease Control, etc.). Most sociologists go through extensive graduate training in
order to conduct research that is rigorous and high quality, as social research follows a systematic and organized
method.

Select each button to learn more.

Define the Problem

When conducting social research, it is imperative that the problem being explored is specific and concise. For example, it
would not be enough to simply state that, I want to study teenage pregnancy. To accurately examine the contributing
and confounding factors of teen pregnancy, one may state the problem in a manner that is more detailed. For instance,
one may say, I would like to study the perceptions of pregnant teenage girls, between 1517 years of age, residing
within counties of Montgomery and Prince Georges County.

Operationalize Definitions
To increase specificity, one must define all concepts related to the topic of study. Using the teenage pregnancy issue,
one must define what is considered a pregnant teenager. For instance, someone who is 19 years old is technically a
teenager. However, that person is over 18, and therefore, legally considered an adult. So, you will not include someone
who is 19 years old in your study sample.

Review the Literature

It is always necessary to review the literature, which reveals what has been studied on your subject of interest. For
example, in the above study on teenage pregnancy, reviewing the literature will tell you what previous authors have
identified as the root causes of teen pregnancy, what interventions are most effective within the teen age group, and
who is considered most at-risk.

Formulate the Hypothesis

A hypothesis is an educated guess. More specifically, it is a statement that reflects what you believe to be true based on
your understanding of the subject matter. Still, one must conduct a study to determine if your stated perception of the
issue is indeed real.

Identify Variables
Variables used in a study can be independent or dependent variables.

Independent Variables
An independent variable in a study is not affected by other variables. For example, the age of a participant will not
change because of other study variables, so it is independent.

Dependent Variables
A dependent variable can change, depending on other factors or variables. For example, income level may depend on
education level as well as on the state of the economy. Therefore, income level can be a dependent variable in certain
types of studies.

Correlation
Correlation reflects a relationship between two variables. A correlation is a number between -1 and 1. The closer the
value is to -1 or 1, the stronger the relationship. However, if the value is closer to 0, then it indicates a weak
relationship.
Example

The relationship between gender and driving ability would likely garner a score of approximately 0.2. This indicates a
weak relationship.

Causal Logic
Casual logic illustrates a relationship between two variables. However, a causal relationship is one that does not simply
reflect an existing connection between two variables; it shows that one actually causes change in the other. Therefore,
x must occur before y.

Example

A person obtains a college degree (x) before entering the workforce and obtaining a job that allows them to earn a
livable income (y).

Collecting the Data

Collecting the data includes:

Sample Selection: A sample is a part of the universal population under study or investigation. It allows
researchers to learn more about a population without studying the entire population, which often would not be
feasible or possible. Samples can be:
o Random: A random sample comprises of individuals who each have an equal chance of being selected.
o Non-random: A non-random sample comprises of individuals purposely selected through the
implementation of some criteria.
Validity: The question or survey item measures the phenomenon it seeks to measure. If one wants to study
income inequality, then it would be appropriate to ask questions such as, What is your annual income?
Reliability: Reliability refers to the ability of a survey question or item to replicate the same result each time. For
example, reliability will be achieved when study participants are asked, In what city and state do you live?
rather than Where do you live?

Topic 3

Research Designs
Depending on the issue or problem, sociologists may use any one of many data collection methods. At times,
sociologists may choose to use more than one data collection method for complimentary reasons. Data
collection methods employed by sociologists include, but are not limited to, surveys, interviews, focus groups,
and participant observations. These methods can be categorized as quantitative or qualitative.

Select each tab to learn more.

Research
 Experiments
Secondary Analysis

Research can be qualitative or quantitative.

Quantitative Research
This research is usually conducted through surveys.

Quantitative research collects data that are in numerical format and answers the question, How many? Quantitative
research uses percentages, correlations, and rates. Surveys can be conducted through:

Interviews: Interviews entail a person asking another person a list of questions. Responses are simply checked
off as indicated on the questionnaire being implemented.
Questionnaires: They can be electronic or in paper-and-pencil format.

Qualitative Research
Qualitative research collects data that are not in numerical format and answers the questions How or Why. It
involves:

Ethnography: This involves participant observation. For this, the investigator lives with or becomes a part of the
population being studied.
Focus groups: A group of 610 people are questioned in a discussion format by a group moderator.
Open-ended interviews: These entail the researcher asking very broad questions to elicit very detailed
responses.

Experiments are another kind of research design that aim to determine if an intervention is effective in causing change.
The intervention can be a program, workshop, or medication. The change can be behavioral, medical, or social in nature.

Experimental
In the experimental method, highly controlled study settings or procedures are involved. The main feature of the
experimental method is:

Randomization: Participants in the experiment are assigned to the intervention group or control group using a
random selection process.

Quasi-Experimental
Unlike true experiments, quasi-experiments do not take place in a highly controlled environment. Likewise,
randomization is not employed. Quasi-experiments are best used to evaluate the effectiveness of public programs to
increase external validity.
Research can include secondary analysis. Secondary analyses are studies conducted using data collected for another
purpose. This type of data is often found on governmental and non-profit organization websites. These studies can
involve statistical analysis and content analysis.

Statistical Analysis
Statistical analysis refers to analysis that generates statistical data utilizing secondary data.
Example:

Utilizing FBI crime data to write a Criminology report.

Content Analysis
Content analysis refers to analysis that generates numerical or qualitative data utilizing secondary written information.
An example is utilizing news reports to examine types of crimes committed in the local area.

Tabe 4 text

Topic 4

Hawthorne Effect

The Hawthorne effect refers to the unintended influence that observers of experiments can have on their
subjects. Simply stated, people will act differently simply because they are being observed. This can cause bias
in the final results.

Example

A group of students were told that their study habits would be examined. They were instructed to go to a lounge
area and study as if they were at home. Study investigators watched them through a one-way mirror.

Throughout the course of the study, investigators turned on light music, turned off the music, provided snacks,
dimmed the lights, turned up the lights, and increased and decreased the number of students in the lounge.

The students who remained in the lounge area from the beginning of the study until the end exhibited the same
behavior regardless of the investigators actions. Ultimately, the investigators concluded that knowing that they
were being watched the students behavior remained constant.

Topic 5

Technology and Sociological Research

Different technological aids can be used to conduct sociological research. Some of these are discussed below.
Select each bullet to learn more.

Statistical Software

Statistical software allows for the expedient generation of statistical results. Examples include SAS, SPSS,
SUUDAN, and Strata.

Qualitative Software

Qualitative software allows for the examination of non-numerical data and identification of trends and patterns.
Examples include NVivo and Atlas.

Web-based Surveys

Web-based surveys are administered via the Internet. They allow the investigator to contact many people in
different geographic regions without traveling to that particular place. An example is Survey Monkey.

Web-based Focus Groups

Here, focus group studies are conducted via the Internet. They allow the investigator to contact many people in
different geographic regions without traveling.

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Topic 6

Ethics of Research

The code of ethics given by the American Sociological Association mentions the following ethics of research:
 Maintain objectivity and integrity.
Respect the subjects right to privacy.
Protect subjects from personal harm.
Preserve confidentiality.
Seek informed consent when data is collected in a private context.
Acknowledge research collaboration and assistance.
Disclose all sources of financial support.

Topic 7
Check Your Knowledge

Dennis decides to conduct a survey on students perceptions of course availability at the college.
Instead of asking each student within the Department of Psychological and Sociological Sciences
to complete a survey, he decides to select a sample. To be sure that there is no sample bias,
he selects every third student he encounters.

What type of a sample is represented here?

Select the correct option and select Submit to review the feedback on your selection.

incorrect

incorrect

correct

incorrect

Random sample

Focus group

Non-random sample

Questionnaire

Feedback
The correct answer is indicated with a green check mark.

A random sample comprises individuals who each have an equal chance of being selected.

Topic 8

Summary
 You have reached the end of this module on Sociological Research. The key takeaways from this module are:

The Scientific method is a systematic and organized method to research a problem that ensures maximum
objectivity.
Research can be conducted using a quantitative design or a qualitative design of research.
The Hawthorne Effect is the unintended influence that observers of experiments can have on their subjects.
Secondary analysis can be classified into statistical analysis and content analysis.
Statistical software, qualitative software, web-based focus groups, and web-based surveys are helpful in
conducting sociological surveys using technology.

SOCIOLOGY1010

(a Heads Up)

This information is being posted now - to give everyone plenty of time to work on ASSIGNMEN T # 3 - before
submitting it during the week of November 23. Read the information given below. A librarian, Ms. Sollosi, is
assigned to your class. She will provide you with information on accessing appropriate
databases, correct citation using APA or ASA format, and information on plagiarism. You will
also be able to ask her questions. This is how you will access the Librarian: click COURSE
CONTENT - scroll down the screen - click on Library Module - and you will see her
post. Communicate with her by clicking DISCUSSION BOARD - look for Discussion Board
Practice Library Task.
The purpose of ASSIGNMENT # 3 (which you will submit during the week of November 23 - with a due date of
November 29) is to familiarize you with the way sociologists conduct research and communicate their findings to the
public. By completing this assignment, you will learn how research is conducted and presented in sociological
journals. You will also learn how to critique a journal article.This practice library task found in Discussion Board will
help you complete Assignment #3.
Here is what you will need to do to complete Assignment #3 during the week of November 23:
Using the Colleges online databases, locate a peer-reviewed article that is based on a sociological concept or topic of
interest to you.
A. Identify your sociological concept or topic of interest
1. Using the Colleges online databases find a peer-reviewed article in sociological journals that is based on a sociological
concept or topic of interest to you
2. Read your article and identify the major components of the study (i.e., the Abstract, Introduction, Methodology, Results,
and Discussion)

B. Write-Up Criteria for Grading

1. Identify the major components of the article and briefly describe each component of the research study
2. Write a critique of the article by discussing how the article relates to your sociological concept or topic of interest and
what you have learned as a result of reading this research study.
3. Submit your assignment the week of November 23
Here's the format for writing your assignment:
1. A title page with the title in the middle of the page
2. Page numbering in the upper right corner beginning with 1 on the title page
3. In-text citations in APA format (that means the citation follows either the quote or the paraphrase of the
information provided)
4. A reference page at the end (called References) in APA format
Template for your assignment
Page 1. A title page with your name, course, instructors name, and title of the article you are critiquing. (APA format)
Page 2. Title of article and APA-citation
 Write a summary in narrative form about your article, using the questions below as a guide. In other words, do not
respond to these questions in a question/answer format.
The following questions will guide you in reading, understanding and writing this section of the assignment.

1.
a. What are the variables or issues of interest in the study?
b. What is the studys hypothesis?
c. Who specifically were the participants in the study and how were they selected?
d. What research method was used in the study--experimentation or correlation?
e. What did the researcher have the participants do? Explain in some detail.
f. What were the major findings of the research study?
g. Why are these findings relevant to sociology?
Page 3. The critique should be approximately two paragraphs and answer the following questions in narrative format:
What is the contribution of this research study to the field of sociology?
a. In your opinion, do the research findings support the hypotheses or the research question? Explain.
b. How does this research impact you and the general public?
Finally, pace yourself. Start early! Formulate your plan to work on your critique. It will be very obvious if you do not
start early on this assignment. The effect of not planning is poor learning and poor quality papers! So be very good to
yourself!

(Repeating) A Librarian, Ms. Sollosi, is assigned to this class. She

will provide you with information on accessing appropriate
databases, correct citation using APA or ASA format, and
information on plagiarism. You will also be able to ask her
questions. This is how you will access the Librarian: scroll down
the Course Content screen, click on Library Module and you
will see her post. Communicate with her through the Discussion
Board Library Task.

Module 3: Culture

Topic 1

Overview and Objectives

In this module, we will define culture, identify material and nonmaterial culture instances, and learn about the
global perspective of culture. We will also examine the cultural variations of subcultures and counter cultures.
After completing this module on Culture, you will be able to:

Define culture.
Distinguish between material and nonmaterial culture.
Explain culture and its components from a global perspective.
Identify the cultural variations of subcultures and counter cultures.