Observational Research in Sociocultural Psychology: A Case Study of Festinger’s Doomsday Cult
Observational Research in Sociocultural Psychology
What is an Observation?
One research method used in the sociocultural approach is observation. Unlike experiments, observations do not manipulate an independent variable. The goal is to observe behavior in a given situation, often under uncontrolled conditions. Observations can yield both quantitative and qualitative data.
Types of Observations
Observations can be overt (participants are aware of being observed) or covert (participants are unaware).
Read MoreUnderstanding Core Sociological Concepts: A Comprehensive Guide
C. Wright Mills’ Sociological Imagination
Definition: The ability to see the connection between personal experiences and larger social forces. It helps individuals understand how their personal issues (biography) relate to public issues (society) and historical context.
Example: A person struggling with unemployment may think it’s a personal failure. Using sociological imagination, they could see that their struggle is linked to broader issues like economic recessions, shifts in labor markets, or
Read MoreSociology: Society, Culture, and Individual Interaction
Sociology
Concept
Sociology is the social science that studies human group life, including communities, family roles, institutions, and human interaction.
The term “sociology” was coined in 1838 by Auguste Comte in his work, “Positive Philosophy.”
Etymology
The term “sociology” combines “socio” (companion or society) and “logos” (study).
Sociology, the study of society as a whole, encompasses history, anthropology, and political science.
Divisions
History
History studies the past of humanity.
Anthropology
Anthropology
Read MoreBiological Positivism and Criminology: Exploring the Biological Roots of Crime
Biological Positivism in Criminology
Influence of Positivism on Biological Models of Crime
Positivism in criminology, stemming from the work of Cesare Lombroso, seeks to identify biological factors that contribute to criminal behavior. This approach contrasts with sociological and environmental theories of crime. The main areas of research within biological positivism include:
- Anthropometry
- Anthropology
- Biotypology
- Neurophysiology
- Endocrinology
- Criminal Genetics
1. Criminal Anthropometry
Criminal anthropometry,
Read MoreSchizophrenia and Related Disorders: ICD-10 Specifications
Schizophrenia
Diagnostic Criteria
Criterion A: Two or more of the following symptoms for at least one month:
- Delusions (erroneous beliefs, sometimes misinterpretations of experiences, expressing loss of control over mind/body)
- Hallucinations (auditory, visual, olfactory, gustatory, tactile)
- Disorganized speech (losing train of thought, jumping between topics)
- Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior
- Negative symptoms:
- Affective flattening (lack of expression, poor eye contact, reduced body language)
- Alogia
Social Disorganization and Pathology
Social Disorganization and Conflict
Social Disorganization
It is the dissociative process that tends to disengage a social organization.
In society: Misuse of conduct of modules (no).
Conflict
A form of interaction by which two or more people try to be mutually exclusive, either annihilating one party or another, or reducing the reaction.
Patterns: Injury, physical aggression, verbal attacks, contempt, personal rivalry.
Forms of Social Disorganization: Ritualism, rebellion, innovation, withdrawal.