Soc. 100 Lecture 9.Chapter 2

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Science and Theory in Sociology

Edited 3/31/01

Chapter 2 Lecture

1. Sociology as Science* 2. The research procedure *

3. Concepts of science*

4. A difference between social science and "true" physical sciences*

5. Ethics of social research* 6. Social Science Methods*

7. The Role of Theory*

8. The Research Cycle*

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1. Sociology as Science

0. Philosophical assumptions (not in text: world exists, can know the world, order, knowledge from senses)

1. empirical----assumptions

2. concern with minimizing errors

3. public -open; method, rejection, 4. generalizations

5. seeks to relate facts-- theory

Science; a set of procedures for establishing and explaining facts

avoid reification3

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2. The research procedure * (1) select topic,

(2) review literature,

(3) formulate the problem, -theory ---->refine to hypothesis, state questions

(4) create a research design -method*, -sample*, -measurement technique (item/form-Y or N., Multi-choice)

(5) collect data, (6) interpret analyze data, suggestive critique

(7) publish findings

(8) Replication

- RECIPE FOR RESEARCH -

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What is Sex: A scientific survey?

DEFINITIONS OF SEX

College students surveyed in 1991 were asked, “Would you say you ‘had sex’ withsomeone if the most intimate behavior you engaged in was…"

Percentage indicating ‘had sex’Behaviors Men Wome

nOveral

lDeep kissing 1.4% 2.9% 2.0 %Oral contact on yourbreasts/nipple

2.3 4.1 3.0

Person touches yourbreasts/nipple

2.0 4.5 3.0

You touch other’sbreasts/nipple

1.7 5.7 3.4

You touch other’s genitals 11.6 17.1 13.9Person touches your genitals 12.2 19.2 15.1Oral contact with other’sgenitals

37.3 43.7 39.9

Oral contact with your genitals 37.7 43.9 40.2Penile-anal Intercourse 82.3 79.1 81.1Penile-vaginal intercourse 99.7 99.2 99.5Source Journal of the American Medical Association Jan 99

As reported in SF Chronicle Jan 16, 1999 page A13. The study was performed by the Kinsey Institute (authors Reinisch and Sanders) with a random sample survey of 599 undergraduates from a large state

university in the Midwest 5

College students would agree with Bill Clinton’s testimony about having sex with Monica Lewenski

3. Concepts of science

Variables ------ gender, race, class, income,education

independent variable ----- gender

dependent variable ----- income

intervening (control) ----- education

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Reliability and validity-------Repeatability and true/accurate

Hypothesis --- There is a relationship between gender and income (2 tail test) or better Males make more money then females (1 tail test)

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3a Experiment-the Ideal logic of science

T1 (Before)

T2 (After)

Experimental

Control

X

III

I II

IV

Ia IIa

IIIa IVa

Additional variations

-Crest with fluoride-Hypothesis: Frequent brushing with Crest will prevent cavitiesExpectations: Similarities I and III differences II and IV

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For Example:(1) # Brushings(2) With & W/Ofloride in H2O

{

*

Sample Steps: Grench

3b Partial Designs

T1 (Before)

T2 (After)

Experimental

Control

X

III

I II

IV

Ia IIa

IIIa IVa

Additional variations

• Just I and II• Just II and IV• Just II

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4. A difference between social science physical sciences;

Logic & methods are much the same

BUT

No social science Laws are like physical science laws (e.g. Boiles law)

Unique obstacles

-ethical

-subjects are objects,

-process may change behavior and views

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5. Ethics of social research

avoid causing pain (physical, psychological or social), informed consent,

respect privacy,

responsibilities to discipline (accuracy, truth, etc.), responsibilities to public (inform, no misrepresentation of data [e.g. racial diff in IQ]

see page 4410

In each case these restrictresearch possible

6 (b). Social Science Methods

(a) Experiment <-->*

(b) Survey

(c) Field Study / participant observation/focus groups

(d) Cross-cultural

(e) Historical Study

(f) In depth interviews

(g) Content analysis

(g) Simulations

(g) noisy-neighbor (Alice Roosevelt Long)

--Does Not Follow Text Order--

see slide*

Text P 48 Summ/Comparison P66

11 Advantages/disadvantages of major methods page 66

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7. The Role of Theory;

General agreements / consensus of sociologist

Purpose; Explain --utility and parsimony

Major Soc. Assumptions All is Learned)

Perception is socially determined

Interaction/interdependence

Social Structure determines

cultural relativism

Major Soc. Concepts Culture

social structure

socialization

Other Concepts IQ Social Class

Proposition hypothesized relation between concepts

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7a Sociological Theories/models

Typical Models

Functionalist (structural*, Biological)

Conflict

Symbolic Interactionism

New Directions Social coordination theory, sociology of emotion, Social constructionism Structuralism / action perspective

Comparison of major theories Page 6913

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7b Levels of Theory

• Hypothesis: Perception of job pay fairness is related to comparison groups. Revolutions occur when perception is for improvement possibility

• Middle Range Theories: Relative Depravation

• Theoretical Orientations: Conflict Theory, Structural Functional, Symbolic Interaction

Text page 66, 67

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*

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7c (Structural) Functionalism--most used model

Manifest

Latent

Functional

Dysfunctional

Major Concepts

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8. The Research Cycle

--Page 67--16

Group Discussion(1) What are the basic characteristics of science?

(2) What are the ethics of social science research and what difficulties are encountered.

(3) Use the "Basic Research Procedure" to start the development of a research project of your choice--Assignment 2

(4) Define and give an example of types of variables, and types of samples useful for sociological research

(5) Define, give an example and specify appropriate topics, advantages and disadvantages of different methods of social science research

(6) Define, explain and give an example of the major sociological theories. What is the focus of each.

(7) Choose research solutions for the set of problems listed in the workbook: "Social Science Methods Discussion Group Topics"

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Social Science Methods Discussion Group Topics

• Note: For each problem, indicate the best method of study and explain why the method you choose is most appropriate. State the strengths and weakness of your selection. Some of these are more complicated then others and I don't expect a beginning social science student to be 100% correct, some problems have more then one right answer. Which theory would be most appropriate, explain your answer. Remember to clearly define your problem and all important concepts you use. Those questions with an “*” are likely choices for the midterm.

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Group Topics: Identify method/theory/specify sample and population*1. If you want to determine the change in cost of housing in California, 1950-1997 what method would you choose? What if you

also wanted to know how the change affected different age cohorts and ethnic groups? How would you go about this study?

*2. If you want to know accurately the percent of males, females, poor, rich, etc., that were for, neutral or against Affirmative Action in California, what method would you choose?

3. If you want to know the motivations for members in a religious cult (e.g., HigherSource, Branch Davidians), what method would you choose? How would you go about this study?

*4. If you want to determine the effect of watching Barney on the behavior of eight and nine-year-olds—what method would you choose? Why is this method appropriate? How would you go about this study?

*5. If you want to determine the “power structure” of Bakersfield, what method would you choose? How would you go about this study?

*6. If you want to find the likely effects of a voucher system on public education system, what method would you choose? How would you go about this study?

*7. If you want to evaluate the effectiveness of a social program (e.g., DARE, 5th grade sex education...) what method would you choose? How would you go about this study?

*8. If you want to determine individual and group responses to a natural disaster (e.g., such as this years flooding in the Midwest), what method would you choose? How would you go about this study?

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Group Topics9. At CSUB a new center was recently established called the Center for Lifelong Learning. The purpose of the center is to provide various social,

educational and cultural programs for older people, many of whom are retired and often have difficulty in finding meaningful involvement. To get grants for this purpose, a needs assessment is required so that granting agencies can be persuaded to support the efforts of the Center. The funds available to do this are minimal, but you do have a list of about 20 people who are the leaders of various senior organizations and programs in this area. How would you obtain the needed information?

10.You have just recorded a series of myths from an old Kawaiisu man living near Lake Isabella. It includes origin myths, major episodes in the history of his tribe, and elements of everyday life before the coming of Euroamericans. There are available in the literature similar myths recorded from a number of the tribes living in this general area, especially the Yokuts and the Chumash. You want to compare the Kawaiisu myths you have collected with the others to determine what insights they may have to understand the differences existing between these various Indian cultures.

11.You are being sent to South Africa to study the changes occurring in the political system following the recent elections in which all races had an opportunity to participate for the first time in the history of this country. You are particularly interested in the role of the extreme groups, on the left the Pan African Congress that wants all whites out, and on the right the Afrikaaner Resistance Movement which once most of the country only for whites. You wish to determine the justification for and strength of these points of view among various segments of the population. How can you best determine this.

12.You have been asked to do a study of the next winter Olympics which will be held in Japan. This has never been approached from a social science perspective. For two weeks people representing countries from all over the world are brought together and compete intensely for honors. What kind of research opportunity does this provide?

*13. You want to determine the subgroups (subcultures?) and their beliefs, values and norms in local high schools. You especially want to know if the subgroups relate to each other and if their high school associations are their group relations are more important in determining their values.

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Group Topics14. You want to re-study of the Yanomamo in the Amazonian basin between Venezuela and Brazil. They have been described in

detail by several anthropologists over the past thirty years. However, more recently there is increasing incursions of western, industrial culture on their land and resources. They are now engaged in more trade relations with various entrepreneurs and many of the contacts with outsiders are fraught with conflict. You want to study the impact of these changes on their economy, social structure, and level of violence.

*15. One of the Bakersfield primary schools has given you permission to study the difference between boys and girls between the first and the sixth grade. You are particularly interested in the frequency and distribution of aggressive and nurturing behavior over this age group. How would you go about doing this?

*16. You want to know the comparative effectiveness of lecture, discussion, group and individual research techniques in learning/understanding how to use a computer program. How would you go about doing this?

*17. Using computers for teaching has become common for all levels of education. How would you evaluate the effectiveness of a vocabulary and reading program designed for 1-3rd graders. What method would you choose? How would you go about this study?

18. There has been much talk about the lack of confidence in higher education. How would you evaluate the attitudinal and behavioral components of this issue. What method would you choose? How would you go about this study?

*19. Is there a “real difference” between types of coffee (Kona, Jamaica Blue Mountain, Guatemalan...), beer brands, soda brands or is the major difference socially defined. What method would you choose? How would you go about this study?

*20. Examine the effect of height in evaluation of males qualities and as possible mate choices. What method would you choose? How would you go about this study?

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9 Next class:

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CHAPTER 2 QUIZ________________

CHAPTER 3 QUIZ ________________

MIDTERM (MC, SA, D) ___________

Midterm will cover:•Human Zoo•Freud•Text: Chapter 1-4 •Class Lecture•Class Assignments

•Study Hints•Reread and outline all readings•Know and understand concepts and terms -end of each chapter-

Spring 97 Schedule

(I will try and put a concept list for non text readings on the web page this week end)

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6. Quiz Chapter 2a Name_____________________School____________________

1. One basic characteristic of science

2. A difference between social science and "true" physical, “natural” sciences? [do not use the differences in topic!]

3. One of the steps in basic research procedure?

4. One of the ethics of social research?

5. A formal statement of cause and effect is called

6. In a study of the relationship between gender and income, which is the dependent variable

7. One of the methods used by social scientists

8. If one wants to know the which things in a movie offends someone what would be the most appropriate method

9. If a social scientist wants to find out the % of people who say they are offended by frontal nudity in movies what would be the most appropriate technique

10. One major disadvantage of survey research is?23

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Theory Questions• ___________________________11. What major theory would probably be used

by a social scientist examining the differences in power between those with money and those without.

• .• ___________________________12. A Sociologist studying interaction patterns

in a k-6 classroom would likely use which major theory?•  • ___________________________13. A researcher studying the interrelations

between changes in local government welfare policies and Federal welfare policies would typically use which major theory?

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6. Quiz Chapter 2a Name_____________________School____________________

Grader__________________

1. One basic characteristic of science set of procedures, empirical, concern with minimizing errors, public, generalizations, seeks to relate facts2. A difference between social science and "true" physical sciences [do not use the differences in topic!] obstacles (ethical, subjects are objects, process may change behavior and views) & no laws3. One of steps in basic research procedure select topic, review literature, formulate the problem, create a research design (method, sample, measurement), collecting data, interpreting analyzing data, publishing findings, replication4. One of the ethics of social research avoid causing pain (physical, psychological or social), informed consent, respect privacy, responsibilities to discipline (accuracy, truth), responsibilities to public (inform of misrepresentation of data (E.g. racial difference in IQ) 5. A formal statement of cause and effect is called hypothesis25

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6. Quiz Chapter 2b

6. In a study of the relationship between gender and income, which is the dependent variable income7. One of the methods used by social scientists experiment, survey, field study, historical study, content analysis, simulation, cross-cultural8. If one wants to know which things in a movie offends someone what would be an appropriate method field (participant observation), in depth open ended interviewing, open ended questions9. If a social scientist wants to find out the % of people who say they are offended by frontal nudity in movies what would be the most appropriate technique survey10. A major disadvantage of survey research is oversimplification, behavior not= attitude

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Theory Questions --Answers

• CONFLICT__________________11. What major theory would probably be used by a social scientist examining the differences in power between those with money and those without.

• .

• SYMBOLIC INTERACTION_____12. A Sociologist studying interaction patterns in a k-6 classroom would likely use which major theory?

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• STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALISM13. A researcher studying the interrelations between changes in local government welfare policies and Federal welfare policies would typically use which major theory?

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