Exploring Sociological Research Methods

The video explores sociology as a science, emphasizing its use of the scientific method and empirical data. It discusses positivism, introduced by Auguste Comte, and its focus on objective, fact-based theories. The video contrasts quantitative and qualitative research methods, highlighting their roles in sociology. It addresses challenges in positivist sociology, such as the Hawthorne Effect and ethical considerations. The video also introduces interpretative and critical sociology, which focus on subjective experiences and the need for social change. Finally, it previews future topics in the series.

What distinguishes sociology from natural sciences like biology or physics?

• It uses beakers and microscopes.

• It investigates the social world.

• It does not rely on empirical data.

• It does not use the scientific method.

What is the scientific method primarily based on?

• Random guesses

• Empirical evidence

• Subjective opinions

• Unverifiable information

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-5

NGSS.HS-PS3-4

Who is considered the founder of sociology and the proponent of positivism?

• Auguste Comte

• Karl Marx

• Max Weber

• Emile Durkheim

What type of data is used in quantitative research?

• Descriptive data

• Numerical data

• Qualitative data

• Subjective data

What is the median income?

• The average income

• The most common income

• The middle observation in the sample

• The highest income

What is the Hawthorne Effect?

• The influence of the environment on behavior

• The impact of free will on experiments

• The change in behavior due to ethical concerns

• The effect of being observed on behavior

Why can't all social facts be applied universally?

• Because human behavior is unpredictable

• Because truth is always objective

• Because all facts are measurable

• Because all environments are controlled

What does interpretative sociology focus on?

• Quantitative data

• Objective observations

• Meanings people attach to their social world

• Controlled experiments

What is the main goal of critical sociology?

• To avoid moral or political questions

• To use only quantitative data

• To focus on the need for social change

• To remain value-free

Tags

NGSS.HS-ETS1-1

NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

Who developed the Hull House and contributed to critical sociology?

• Auguste Comte

• Emile Durkheim

• Max Weber

• Jane Addams