Discussion Post: Introduction to Sociology
Chapter 1: An Introduction to Sociology
a) Summarize conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, and structural functionalism. Explain why you are in college based on each of the three theoretical perspectives. Explain which of the three theoretical perspectives best describe why you are pursuing higher education.
b) Explain the sociological imagination (SI) and what it means to reflect upon one's life using the sociological imagination. Describe a recent situation in which a choice you made was influenced by societal pressures. Using your sociological imagination, explain how those societal pressures may have been different for your parents and grandparents when they were your age?
Chapter 2: Sociological Research
a) What type of data do surveys gather? For what topics would surveys be the best research method? What drawbacks might you expect to encounter when using a survey? Think of a recent survey you have completed and list some of the ways you could improve it.
b) Would you willingly participate in a sociological study, like the Stanford Prison Experiment, that could potentially put your health and safety at risk, but had the potential to help thousands or even hundreds of thousands of people? Explain the code of ethics for social research and defend if you think it is too restrictive and would prevent quality social research?
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.