Question 1

None of the major methods of sociological research-experiment, survey, participant observation, and secondary research-is better than any other in an absolute sense, but each is suitable for addressing a certain type of question or situation.Explain why this is True and develop brief illustrations of the type of questions that would lead a researcher to select one method over the others.

Accepted Answer

The answer of None of the major methods of sociological...

Question 2

The term "sociology" was coined in 1838 by

Accepted Answer

The term "sociology" was coined by Auguste Comte in 1838.

Question 3

Making use of the sociological perspective encourages

Accepted Answer

The sociological perspective encourages questioning and challenging commonly held beliefs and assumptions, rather than simply accepting them without scrutiny.

Question 4

Sociologists focus only on unusual patterns of behavior.

Accepted Answer

Sociologists study all patterns of behavior, not just unusual or deviant ones. They seek to understand the social forces and structures that shape how people behave, both individually and collectively.

Question 5

Looking at the United States, high suicide rates are typical of states in which people

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that states with higher suicide rates tend to have higher rates in rural areas, where there may be greater social isolation and limited access to mental health services. Urban areas with higher population densities have lower suicide rates. Income and climate have not been consistently linked to suicide rates.

Question 6

Based on your own interests, identify a research question that you would like to investigate.State the question, identify an appropriate research method, and point to any challenges or issues that you would have to resolve in order to complete such a project.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Based on your own interests, identify a...

Question 7

As a discipline, sociology first took root in France, Germany, and England.

Accepted Answer

Sociology emerged as a discipline in the 19th century in France, Germany, and England. Auguste Comte, Émile Durkheim, Max Weber, and Herbert Spencer are some of the notable sociologists who contributed to the development of sociology in these countries.

Question 8

List the three conditions that are required to establish cause and effect in social scientific research.

Accepted Answer

The answer of List the three conditions that are required...

Question 9

Outline the ten steps in the process of carrying out sociological investigation.You may use the format presented in the text that is, what specific questions must be answered as a researcher moves along?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Outline the ten steps in the process...

Question 10

In making judgments about how society should be improved, the ________ approach in sociology rejects Max Weber's goal that researchers be value-free.

Accepted Answer

The critical approach in sociology focuses on understanding and analyzing power relationships in society, and advocating for social change and justice. It rejects the idea that researchers should be value-free and instead encourages them to take an active role in promoting social justice.

Question 11

W.E.B.Du Bois claimed that _____ was the major problem facing the United States during the twentieth century.

Accepted Answer

W.E.B. Du Bois believed that the major problem facing the United States during the twentieth century was the problem of race. He argued that racism divided society and prevented African Americans from achieving true freedom and equality. Du Bois believed that it was the responsibility of African Americans to fight against racism and for their own rights, while also working to create a more just and equal society for all Americans.

Question 12

According to Emile Durkheim, a category of people with a higher suicide rate typically has

Accepted Answer

According to Durkheim's theory, a lower level of social integration leads to a higher suicide rate within a group or category of people. This means that individuals who are less connected to others in their society, whether it be due to things like social isolation or weak family ties, are more likely to take their own lives. The other choices listed do not align as closely with Durkheim's theories about suicide rates.

Question 13

Why is it necessary for researchers to understand the social characteristics of the people they are studying? What problems could arise if a researcher started to study the Amish, Korean Americans, or some other distinctive category of people and had no understanding of their way of life?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why is it necessary for researchers to...

Question 14

Which German word meaning "understanding" was used by Max Weber to describe his approach to sociological research?

Accepted Answer

Max Weber used the term "Verstehen" to describe his approach to sociological research, which means "understanding" in German. It refers to the process of trying to understand social behavior from the perspective of those engaging in it.

Quiz 1: Sociology: Perspective, Theory, and Method