Sociologists develop theories based on observations of society. Sociologists use scientific methods, such as description, statistics, survey, experimentation, and observation, to test their theories. The sociologist has a more difficult time in arriving at undisputed conclusions because of the diverse and changing nature of human beings and society. Therefore, many sociological studies are less precise, or accurate, than those of other sciences.
Case Study: The report filed by a sociologist from field observations.
Data Information: Description The use of words to tell how something actually happened.
Hypothesis: A possible answer or approach to a problem.
Probability: The likelihood that an event will occur.
Sample: A representative group.
Theory
Writers such as Durkheim, Weber, and Sumner were the classical theorists of sociology. These men studied either society in general or an aspect of society in particular to see how that aspect fit into the complete social pattern. These sociologists were likely to have used logic and reasoning in their work more than they used the scientific method. However, this use of logic and reasoning does not mean that they ignored the scientific method. After all, Durkheim, Weber, and Sumner were social scientists. Durkheim, in fact, is credited with putting sociology on a scientific basis. In his study of suicide, he considered the different rates of suicide among various groups of people. Durkheim then reasoned from his statistical studies as to why the rates were different. Weber's theory, as we have previously studied, is conspicuous for its use of "ideal types." Weber was not interested in any particulars for their own sake, but only as they contributed to his ideal composites.
The general theory that was used by the classical sociologists is not as popular today. The static analysis represented by ideal types has been replaced by the more specialized study. Interest today centers in the more specialized study rather than in the static analysis represented by ideal types. Specific race problems are of more interest than a theory of how two culturally diverse races relate in one society. Although the practical approach to sociology, or any field, is desirable, many problems can be best understood by the use of an artificial, or static, model. The value of the latter approach can be clearly seen in economics. Although the model of a pure market economy is far from the real situation, a good understanding of an ideal or static market is necessary to know how the real market is acting.
Surveys
One of the major methods used by modern sociologists to gather information, or data, is the sociological survey. In this method, people are asked questions about themselves and about their attitudes toward many things, such as social problems, new ideas, or new political or economic changes.
Surveys always concern a sampling of people; a survey cannot include everyone. A sociologist concerned with the work habits of the men of one community, for example, will not be able to interview every man in the town. The sociologist must select a sample from a representative group of men. This sample usually will include working men of various ages and of differing backgrounds. The selection of the sample is one of the keys to the value of the survey.
A random sampling is a more general survey than the example just mentioned. In a random sampling, the sociologist could simply walk down Main Street and interview the first twenty men he meets. Some of the men he surveys may be retired from work; others may be too young to be in the work force. The results of this survey would not be as valid or as accurate as the results of the carefully selected sampling. The selected sampling gives a broader view of the situation because men from different areas, from different backgrounds, and from different age groups are interviewed. After the survey has been taken, the sociologist reaches his conclusions by using one of two methods, statistical analysis or description of the results. They will both be explained below.
Description
Description of Results. Description of Results is another method used by sociologists. This can be an actual description of a situation in society or the results of a research project. Description is the use of words to tell how something actually happened. Description uses a historical method. Alexis de Tocqueville, the Frenchman who wrote Democracy in America, recorded his observations of the United States and American democracy. A modern sociologist might use the same approach to describe a race riot or the condition in the neighborhood where the riot occurred. Sociological description is necessary to record the results of other methods of research. Sociological description differs from the older theory in its desire for objective reporting of what has actually been observed rather than in idealized concepts of all occurrences.
Statistical Analysis
Statistical analysis. Statistical analysis has become a very popular approach to many subjects, especially since the invention of the computer. In this approach, data is collected and used to test hypotheses, the possible answers or approaches to problems. The test is normally based on some kind of probability, the possibility that something is true or valid. In statistics, probability is stated in mathematical terms. One of the most common uses of the theory of probability is T.V. weathermen forecasting the weather.
