Understanding Sociology: A Scientific Approach to Society
Understanding Sociology
Sociology is the study of society and social behavior. It examines how individuals and groups interact, how social structures influence behavior, and how cultures shape our experiences. By analyzing various aspects of social life, such as institutions, relationships, and norms, sociology seeks to understand the underlying patterns and dynamics that govern human interactions.
Sociologists explore a wide range of topics, including social inequality, family structures, education
Read MoreMastering Market Research: Measurement, Methods, and Scales
Understanding Measurement in Market Research
Levels of Measurement
- Nominal: Classification without judgment (e.g., gender, mode).
- Ordinal: Ordered classification (e.g., ranking sodas). Distance between ranks is unknown (median).
- Interval: Equal spacing between values (e.g., Fahrenheit, “on a scale of…”). Scales must remain within the same category (mean).
- Ratio: Fixed and meaningful zero point (e.g., income, age). Allows for all mathematical operations.
What Marketers Measure
- Demographics: Age, income,
Empiricism, Rationalism, and Research in Psychology
Empiricism and Rationalism in Psychological Research
Empiricism emphasizes quantitative evidence in the study of perception, cognition, and personality. Rationalism uses logic, such as: if A>B and B>C, then A>C. Theories are not definitively proven; they require ongoing experimentation.
Goals of Research in Psychology
- Describe Behavior (Frequency Claims):
- Identify regularly occurring sequences of events.
- Classify behaviors.
- Quantify behaviors precisely.
- Predict Behavior (Association Claims):
- Identify
Philosophies of Happiness and Effects of Psychoactive Substances
Stoicism
The Stoic philosophy posits that happiness is achieved by living in harmony with nature. This involves accepting the divine order of the world and the laws governing all events. While this order may sometimes seem cruel, Stoics believe it is inherently harmonious. Only through reason can individuals adapt to nature and find happiness.
Epicureanism
Epicureans believe that true pleasure is found through careful consideration of consequences. Some pleasures are fleeting and lead to pain, while
Read MoreMastering Participant Observation: A Qualitative Research Art
Chapter 2: Participant Observation
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like participant observation to develop a practical application of qualitative methodology as an art and a compendium of social skills, sensory awareness, and strategic thinking.
Participant Observation in Joint Research Internships
The term “observation” is defined as closely examining the actions of something that surrounds us. Open your eyes to look, explore, admire, and compare. Monitoring to know is the backbone of scientific
Read MoreObjectives in Natural, Social, and Cultural Knowledge
Objectives of the Area of Knowledge: Natural, Social, and Cultural
The objectives of this area of knowledge are:
- Identify the main elements of the natural, social, and cultural environment, analyzing their organization, characteristics, and interactions, and progressing in the domain of increasingly complex spatial areas.
- Behave in accordance with the habits of health and personal care arising from knowledge of the human body, showing an attitude of acceptance and respect for individual differences