Sociology Ch. 1

Approaches to sociological research that draw on objective and statistical data and often focus on documenting trends

A way of calculating the spread of a group of figures

The social cohesion that results from the various parts of a society functioning as an integrated whole.

Studying a proportion of individuals or cases from a larger population

The belief that society is no longer governed by history or progress and society is highly pluralistic and diverse

Term used to describe “thinks himself away” from the familiar routines of daily life to answer sociological questions.

The firsthand study of people using observation, in-depth interviewing, or both. Also called “fieldwork.”

The number that falls half-way in a range of numbers

Research that compares one set of findings in one society with another society

Invented the word Sociology.

Functional consequences that are not intended or recognized by the members of a social system in which they occur.

A sample from a larger population that is statistically typical of that population

Dividing a total by the number of individual cases

Factual inquiry carried out in any area of sociological study.

Difficulties or problems that are linked to the institutional and historical possibilities of social structure.

1. The economic, political, and social interconnectedness of individuals throughout the world.

One item used to stand for or represent another-as in the case of a flag, which symbolizes a nation.

The ways of calculating averages

1. A theoretical perspective based on the notion that social events can best be explained in terms of the functions

The conditioning influence on our behavior by the groups and societies of which we are members.

Questions posed by sociologists when seeking to explain a particular range of observed events.

A concept referring to a situation in which social norms lose their hold over individual behavior.

Sampling method in which a sample is chosen so all have same probability of being chosen

Questions that sociologists pose when looking at the origins and path of development of social institutions.

A method of research in which the researcher takes part in the study/activities

A method of sociological research using questionaires given to the population being studied

Research method in a controlled and systematic environment

1. According to Durkheim, the aspects of social life that shape our actions as individuals.

Use of multiple research methods

Process whereby the investigator informs participants of risks/benefits involved

A sociological perspective that emphasizes the centrality of gender in analyzing the social world

Following a study, informing participants about the true purpose of a study

Perspective that emphasizes the role of economic and political power and oppression

The study of large-scale groups, organizations, or social systems.

Interviews with people about events they witnessed earlier in their lives

Questions concerned with drawing comparisons among different human societies.

The two-way process by which we shape our social world and by which we are reshaped by society.

Shared ideas or beliefs that serve to justify the interests of dominant groups.

The study of human behavior in contexts of face-to-face interaction

Questions that raise issues concerning matters of fact (rather than theoretical or moral issues).

A theoretical approach developed by George Meade that emphasizes the role of symbols and language as core element

Early sociologist that first established the scientific basis for studying human behavior

Sociological research that often rely on personal and/or collective interviews, accounts, or observations

The study of human groups and societies, giving particular emphasis to analysis of the industrialized world.

A trial run in survey research

The functions of a particular social activity that are known and intended by the individuals involved in the activity.

The number that appears most often in a data set

A measure of teh degree of correlation between variables