Description
This writing assignment will be graded based on the following”
1) COMPOSITION (20 points): grammar, syntax, spelling, organization
2) CONTENT (20 points) : information & data
3) CREATIVITY (20 points) : originality of approach and ideas
4) CRITICAL ANALYSIS (20 points): sociological imagination
5) CITATION (20 points) : sources; references of each textbook, each film clip, bibliography/works cited -page. Outside readings and sources are always welcome. However, you are being evaluated for how well you understand the provided materials and content. Students will be graded according to their demonstrated knowledge of the materials and content.
Instructions: Your essay should be between 4 to 5 pages, typed, double-spaced, times 12-font. (You may go over 5 pages). You should include both in-text citations and a “works cited” or “bibliography” page. The title page and “works cited” (or bibliography) page are not part of the 4 to 5 pages of content per question.
Prompt:
What makes sociology a science? Explain how sociological inquiry and analysis are a scientific process. What scientific traditions are sociological analysis part of?
Incorporate into your essay, the following concepts: sociological imagination, empiricism, positivism, structural functionalism, social conflict theory, symbolic interaction, epistemology, methodology, inquiry, social patterns, hypothesis, research steps, variables, idiographic and nomothetic explanations, inductive and deductive approaches, quantitative and qualitative methods, levels of measurement (nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio), conceptualization, and operationalization.
Here are the links for the passages you should use to collect evidence and quotes. Please read through them and decide which quotes would support your claims. When using the quote be sure to include a citation and include the link in the works cited page
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/sociology/chapter/research-methods/- The passage explores diverse research methods in sociology, including surveys, participant observation, ethnography, case studies, experiments, and secondary data analysis. It emphasizes the significance of informed consent in surveys, the immersive nature of participant observation and ethnography, and the strengths and limitations of case studies.
http://www.drjkoch.org/Intro/Readings/Humphreys.htm Talks about Laud Humphreys’ sociological study on “tearoom sex”. This exemplifies the scientific nature of sociology by employing participant observation and structured interviews to systematically gather and analyze data.
https://www.simplypsychology.org/zimbardo.htmlTalks about Stanford Prison Experiment. The Stanford Prison Experiment exemplifies sociology as a science through its systematic and empirical methodology, featuring controlled conditions, random participant assignment, and meticulous behavior observation, resulting in replicable findings. Despite ethical concerns, its scientific approach aligns with evidence-based inquiry, reinforcing sociology’s status as a science.
https://www.coursesidekick.com/sociology/study-gui…The passage discusses key concepts related to sociological research such as Ethical Considerations, Institutional Review Boards, Deception in Research, Research Funding and Value Neutrality
https://opentextbc.ca/introductiontosociology2nded…Talks about Scientific Method in Sociological Research, Research Methods in Sociology, Ethical Concerns in Sociological Research, Planning and Framework in Research Design
https://www.thoughtco.com/sociological-imagination…The Sociological Imagination, C. Wright Mills and its Origin, Awareness of the Relationship between Experience and Society, Seeing Things Socially and Interconnections, Critique of Social Reality Concepts, Challenging Dominant Ideas in Sociology, Mills’ Critique of Academic Sociologists, Nature of Mills’ Ideas and Current Significance, Application of Sociological Imagination, Analyzing Simple Behaviors (e.g., Drinking Coffee), Symbolic Pharmacological, and Socio-economic Dimension
I have also provided brief definitions of each concept that must be included in the essay. You can use any outside materials you need to gain further insight as well.
Sociological Imagination: The sociological imagination is the ability to see how personal troubles are connected to larger social issues and structures.
Empiricism: Empiricism is the philosophical approach that emphasizes the importance of evidence and observation in gaining knowledge.
Positivism: Positivism is a sociological perspective that advocates for the application of the scientific method and the study of observable social facts.
Structural Functionalism: Structural functionalism is a sociological theory that views society as a system of interrelated parts that work together to maintain stability and equilibrium.
Social Conflict Theory: Social conflict theory posits that society is characterized by inherent inequalities and conflicts over resources, with an emphasis on power dynamics.
Symbolic Interaction: Symbolic interactionism is a sociological perspective that focuses on how individuals create and interpret symbols in their interactions, shaping their understanding of the social world.
Epistemology: Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that examines the nature and limits of human knowledge, including the study of how knowledge is acquired and validated.
Methodology: Methodology refers to the systematic approach and set of principles used in conducting research, encompassing various research methods.
Inquiry: Inquiry involves the process of seeking information or knowledge, often through systematic investigation or research.
Social Patterns: Social patterns are recurring and observable regularities or trends in social behavior, relationships, or structures.
Hypothesis: A hypothesis is a testable statement or proposition that predicts the relationship between variables and guides empirical research.
Research Steps: Research steps involve the systematic progression through various stages, including problem definition, literature review, data collection, analysis, and conclusion drawing.
Variables: Variables are characteristics or factors that can vary and are studied in research to understand their relationships and effects.
Idiographic and Nomothetic Explanations: Idiographic explanations seek to understand specific, unique cases, while nomothetic explanations aim to identify general laws or patterns applicable across cases.
Inductive and Deductive Approaches: Inductive approaches involve deriving general principles from specific observations, while deductive approaches test specific hypotheses derived from general theories.
Quantitative and Qualitative Methods: Quantitative methods involve numerical data and statistical analysis, while qualitative methods focus on non-numerical data, emphasizing meanings and interpretations.
Levels of Measurement (Nominal, Ordinal, Interval, Ratio): Nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio levels of measurement represent different scales used to categorize and quantify variables in research.
Conceptualization: Conceptualization is the process of defining and clarifying abstract concepts to ensure consistent understanding in research.
Operationalization: Operationalization involves translating abstract concepts into measurable variables or indicators for empirical research.
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This is everything you need in order to answer this question successfully. If you have any further questions let me know. Thank you so much.
