Sociology In Our Times The Essentials 13Th Kendall Test Bank
Test Bank for Sociology in Our Times-The Essentials 13th Edition by Kendall, Atkins
ISBN: 9798214147369
Chapter 01 - The Sociological Perspective and Research Process
1. Sociology is understood as a systematic study because sociologists apply the scientific method in working with both theoretical perspectives and research methods to explain and examine hypotheses related to social behavior.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
2. A sociologist applying the sociological imagination would recognize the rising costs of higher education as a broader societal issue rather than a “personal trouble.”
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
3. German sociologist Georg Simmel concluded that industrialization created greater equality, thus minimizing class conflict.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
4. Sociologist Talcott Parsons suggested that the division of household labor between husband and wife is one of the fundamental sources of conflict in industrialized societies.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
5. Sociologist Robert K. Merton stated that in order for social institutions and other social units to be considered functional, all their functions must be intended and recognized by the participants.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
6. Conflict theorists regard race and ethnicity conflicts as the primary source of social change.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
7. Quantitative research is more appropriate for studies requiring large samples and statistical analysis, while qualitative research is better suited for exploring in-depth insights with smaller samples.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
8. Researchers want to measure remote work productivity by using survey research. Gathering self-reported data from employees is likely more reliable than third-party observations, as employees are the best at judging their own productivity in a remote setting.
a. True
b. False
Chapter 01 - The Sociological Perspective and Research Process
ANSWER: False
9. What is the definition of sociology?
a. The systematic study of human society and social interaction
b. The systematic analysis of deviant groups and individuals
c. The systematic analysis of premodern people
d. The discipline that examines individual human behavior
ANSWER: a
10. How would a sociologist use scientific standards to understand the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on employment satisfaction?
a. Use social myths to analyze employment satisfaction.
b. Gather information about employee experiences using surveys or focused interviews.
c. Rely on commonsense knowledge to interpret remote worker satisfaction.
d. Analyze pre- and post-pandemic trends to understand changes in job satisfaction. ANSWER: d
11. When individuals compare their lives to celebrities or influencers on social media, they seek to connect their personal experiences with broader societal contexts. Which sociological perspective best explains this behavior, and what implications does this have for understanding social identity and self-perception in contemporary society?
a. conflict theory.
b. the sociological imagination.
c. structural functionalism.
d. symbolic interactionist perspective.
ANSWER: b
12. Which of the following imaginary countries is most likely to be a low-income nation?
a. Genera, a European nation with advanced technology and a strong economy
b. Partingham, a small European nation known for its high standard of living
c. Fraqut, a Latin American nation with a growing industrial economy
d. Makena, a predominantly agrarian nation in Central Asia with limited infrastructure ANSWER: d
13. Consider the economic structures of high- and low-income countries. Which of the following characteristics is most associated with low-income countries, and how does this structure affect their economic development and growth potential?
a. more industrialized
b. more agrarian
c. less populated
d. smaller
ANSWER: b
14. Analyze how race and ethnicity shape social experiences differently. Which of the following scenarios demonstrates how race and ethnicity interact to impact an individual’s social identity and experiences?
a. Jamal identifies as African due to his Nigerian descent. He often faces racial discrimination, though he feels
Chapter 01 - The Sociological Perspective and Research Process
connected to his fellow Nigerian compatriots due to the shared celebration of Nigerian traditions.
b. Antonio was born in Spain and identifies as Spanish. As an immigrant, he experiences ethnic discrimination. However, his light skin color prevents him from experiencing racial discrimination.
c. Anna identifies as African American and celebrates traditional African holidays. She often experiences racial profiling from law enforcement because of her dark skin color.
d. Maria’s relatives are from South America, and her physical characteristics are Indigenous. She experiences ethnic and racial discrimination due to her Ecuadorian heritage and racial features.
ANSWER: a
15. A person with significant financial resources has access to exclusive clubs and considerable influence over policymakers in their state of residence. Based on this scenario, which term do sociologists use to refer to the position of this person within a set of hierarchical social categories based on wealth, power, prestige, or other valued resources?
a. Caste
b. Class
c. Ethnicity
d. ranking
ANSWER: b
16. Technological advancements contribute to the shift from family-based production to factory-based production in the United States, significantly affecting social exchange for goods and services. Which of the following best describes this evolution?
a. Urbanization
b. Industrialization
c. Age of Enlightenment
d. The Industrial Revolution
ANSWER: b
17. Which term refers to the belief that those species of animals, including human beings, which best adapt to their environment survive and prosper, whereas those that adapt poorly die out?
a. Social Darwinism
b. Social eugenics
c. Social statics and dynamics
d. Social relativism
ANSWER: a
18. Which of the following early scientific thinkers first used the phrase "survival of the fittest" to explain his theory of society?
a. Karl Marx
b. Emile Durkheim
c. Auguste Comte
d. Herbert Spencer
ANSWER: d
19. What is a major criticism of Spencer's theory of social Darwinism?
a. Other biological organisms exercise more control over their environments than do humans.
Chapter 01 - The Sociological Perspective and Research Process
b. It may be used to justify racial/ethnic, gender, and class inequalities in society.
c. It explains society in an era that is less tumultuous than that of the Industrial Revolution.
d. He plagiarized the work of Charles Darwin.
ANSWER: b
20. Which term did French sociologist Emile Durkheim use to refer to the patterns of acting, thinking, and feeling that exist outside any one individual but exert social control over every person in society?
a. Social statics
b. Social facts
c. Sociological imagination
d. Sociological generalizations
ANSWER: b
21. How does Durkheim’s concept of anomie apply to a small community facing widespread uncertainty, a loss of purpose, and social disparity due to factory closures resulting in unemployment?
a. Social disorganization
b. Social dysfunctionalism
c. Cultural breakdown
d. Social alienation
ANSWER: d
22. How do Durkheim’s functionalism and class consciousness theories compare with other perspectives emphasizing social interaction or individual experience?
a. Durkheim’s theories suggest that societal institutions maintain order and stability, while conflict theorists believe institutions contribute to conflict and inequality.
b. Durkheim’s assertions about social cohesion and collective societal norms do not account for the meanings individuals derive from social interactions, a concept that social interactionists emphasize.
c. Durkheim’s theory of anomie addresses societal instability but fails to explain how personal conflicts or motivations shape behavior, a focus of symbolic interactionism.
d. Durkheim’s focus on stability explains societal cohesion but doesn’t address class conflict or racial inequality, which are key components of Marxist theory.
ANSWER: b
23. How does Marx’s theory of alienation differ from Durkheim’s theory of anomie or class consciousness in explaining social disconnection?
a. Workers in capitalistic societies feel isolated from the products they create and from other workers, which creates a sense of detachment from their potential as human beings.
b. When social norms break down, it leads to a sense of normlessness, which causes individuals to feel disconnected from their community.
c. Economic inequalities create conflict between different social classes, which leads to revolutionary change.
d. Elite members of society control the means of production, which maintains their power over the bourgeoisie.
ANSWER: a
24. Karl Marx’s belief that society must evolve and change differs from other sociological perspectives. Which scenario demonstrates how class struggle influences social change?
Chapter 01 - The Sociological Perspective and Research Process
a. All parts of society work together to create stability or homeostasis after a social revolution.
b. Individuals from different racial and ethnic backgrounds use language and symbols to establish social norms and cultural unity.
c. Social institutions work to dismantle racial and ethnic stereotypes to reduce discrimination based on race and ethnicity.
d. A protest movement erupts in response to unequal wealth distribution, challenging the dominant capitalist class and advocating for systemic change.
ANSWER: d
25. Mina, a sociologist, is conducting a study on divorce and the factors that affect it. She believes that modern couples find it difficult to take relationships seriously and that married couples should stick together through thick and thin. However, she knows that she should be objective in her study and, therefore, employs an approach that allows her to gain the ability to see the world from the perspective of others. Which of the following approaches is Angela most likely using?
a. Verstehen
b. Positivism
c. Social Darwinism
d. Gesellschaft
ANSWER: a
26. How do Weber’s views on what drives social change compare with Marx’s perspective, and what are the key differences in their theories?
a. Weber believed that class struggle was the primary driver of social change, while Marx emphasized the importance of values and ideas.
b. Marx focused on economic forces and class conflict as central to social change, while Weber emphasized ideas, values, and rationalization.
c. Weber believed that social change is primarily driven by technological advancements, while Marx believed in societal stability.
d. Weber argued that social change is solely influenced by economic conditions, while Marx focused on ideas and values.
ANSWER: b
27. Analyze how the division of family roles, with tasks traditionally assigned to the wife/mother (such as housework, child care, and emotional support), contributes to social stability. Which of the following terms best describes these roles, and what is their impact on family and societal structure?
a. expressive tasks.
b. instrumental tasks.
c. reproductive tasks.
d. interdependent tasks.
ANSWER: a
28. Which sampling method is used when a sociologist randomly selects students from their university for a research study?
a. Research
b. Random
c. Representative
Chapter 01 - The Sociological Perspective and Research Process
d. Qualitative
ANSWER: c
29. A sociologist is designing a study to explore whether regular use of social media impacts narcissism. They predict that increased social media use will lead to higher levels of narcissism. Which term best applies to this prediction?
a. theory.
b. variable.
c. operational definition.
d. hypothesis.
ANSWER: d
30. A sociology student is conducting quantitative research on racism and its causes as part of their final year curriculum. After defining the research problem, the student must decide on the next appropriate step in the research process. Evaluate the following options and determine which step is most critical at this stage, justifying your choice based on the research process.
a. The student should formulate a hypothesis.
b. The student should review previous research on the topic.
c. The student should develop the research design.
d. The student should collect data on incidents of racism.
ANSWER: b
31. Which concept describes how much a study or research instrument accurately measures what it is supposed to measure?
a. Validity
b. Reliability
c. Predictability
d. Variability
ANSWER: a
32. Soledad and Tina have developed a scale to assess job satisfaction among temporary workers. They are afraid that the workers in their study will interpret the scale items differently. Soledad and Tina are concerned about which aspect of the scale?
a. Representativeness
b. Accuracy
c. Validity
d. Reliability
ANSWER: d
33. While conducting a study on community health, a qualitative researcher is most likely to in contrast to a quantitative researcher.
a. use a larger sample.
b. collect and analyze data simultaneously.
c. focus on scientific objectivity.
d. use statistical analysis.
ANSWER: b
Chapter 01 - The Sociological Perspective and Research Process
34. A researcher is studying how workplace factors impact employees' mental health and uses data collected from a previous study. Which analysis type would be most appropriate for this type of research, and why is it more suitable than other types of analysis?
a. Primary analysis, because the researcher should collect original data for accuracy
b. Tertiary analysis, because it focuses on gathering multiple studies for analysis to draw a single conclusion
c. Secondary analysis, because the researcher can reanalyze existing data to address new research questions
d. Manifest analysis, because it emphasizes the explicit content of the data being analyzed
ANSWER: c
35. Asher and Deepanshu decide to conduct a study on the effectiveness of the Gardasil vaccine but lack time and money to gather their own data. As a result, they analyze the data gathered by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Given this situation, identify the type of research method Asher and Deepanshu are using and explain how utilizing existing data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is beneficial for their study on the effectiveness of the Gardasil vaccine.
a. Experiment
b. Secondary analysis
c. Survey research
d. Participant observation
ANSWER: b
36. A sociologist studied the learning capacity of toddlers by joining a preschool for six months. During this period, he observed the activities of toddlers and asked their parents and teachers questions related to their development. Analyze the research method used in this scenario and compare it to one other research method. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each in studying child development?
a. A survey allows for the collection of data from many participants quickly and efficiently, but it lacks depth and may rely on self-reported data, which could be biased.
b. Secondary analysis uses existing data, which saves time and resources, but may be limited to existing data that may not address specific research questions.
c. Field research provides an in-depth understanding and real-time data about a toddler’s behavior in a natural setting; however, it may be time-consuming and subject to observer bias.
d. An experiment provides strong causal evidence as it controls variables and conditions but may not reflect realworld scenarios and can be difficult to implement with toddlers.
ANSWER: c
37. Explain how the sociological imagination connects personal experiences with societal issues and examine the difference from other sociological perspectives with a real-world example to illustrate your points.
ANSWER: Mills described the sociological imagination as the ability to connect personal experiences with broader societal issues by revealing how larger social forces shape individual problems. For example, if someone is laid off, they might blame themselves. However, using the sociological imagination, they would recognize their unemployment might be a consequence of an economic downturn, like the 2008 financial crisis, which affected millions of Americans. This approach distinguishes between personal troubles and societal issues, showing how economic policy or market conditions impact an individual beyond personal control. In contrast to the sociological imagination, other sociological perspectives (structural functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism) would approach these issues differently. Structural functionalists would focus on the effects of unemployment on social stability and the functions of institutions like employment agencies. Conflict theory emphasizes economic inequalities and how they contribute to unemployment and the struggles between differing socioeconomic groups. Symbolic interactionists might explore how
Chapter 01 - The Sociological Perspective and Research Process
individuals make sense of their unemployment in personal terms, potentially overlooking broader societal impacts. By comparing these perspectives, we can appreciate the unique insights offered by the sociological imagination in connecting personal experiences with societal issues.
38. Explain how industrialization and urbanization motivated the emergence of sociology.
ANSWER: Industrialization and urbanization sparked massive economic, technological, and social changes that marks a transition from an agrarian to an industrial economy. This shift created a new social class of industrialists who dominated textile, iron smelting, and related industries. Many individuals who had previously lived in tightly knit rural communities were compelled to leave behind their well-defined social relationships and seek employment in the factories of rapidly growing cities. As cities became centers of industrial work, they transformed into melting pots of diverse populations interacting for the first time, leading to significant social changes central to the theories of sociologists like Simmel and Weber. Simmel highlighted how the fast pace and anonymity of urban life resulted in social fragmentation and alienation as individuals navigated the complexities of modern existence. In contrast, Weber focused on the implications of rationalization and bureaucracy, arguing that industrial capitalism replaced traditional ways of life with a focus on efficiency and productivity, altering social relationships and individual identities. This shift from producers to consumers, combined with inadequate housing, overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and low wages, created numerous social problems. As these issues became more visible, they prompted Simmel, Weber, and other social thinkers to systematically study the complex dynamics of modern society and their effects on social relations and individual identity.
39. Briefly summarize the contributions of Harriet Martineau to early sociology and explain why she did not receive recognition for her work until recently.
ANSWER: British sociologist Harriet Martineau translated and condensed the works of Auguste Comte, bringing them to a wider audience. Perhaps more importantly, she studied the social customs of Britain and the United States, analyzing the consequences of industrialization and capitalism. In addition, she strongly advocated social change, encouraging greater racial and gender equality, and was committed to creating a science of society that would be grounded in empirical observations and widely accessible to people. Until fairly recently, Martineau received no recognition in the field of sociology, partly because she was a woman in a male-dominated discipline and society.
40. Explain what Herbert Spencer meant by “survival of the fittest.” What are the criticisms of his approach?
ANSWER: Spencer believed that societies develop through a process of “struggle” (for existence) and “fitness” (for survival), which he referred to as the “survival of the fittest.” Spencer’s view of society is known as social Darwinism the belief that those species of animals, including human beings, best adapted to their environment survive and prosper, whereas those poorly adapted die out. Spencer equated this process of natural selection with progress because only the "fittest” members of society would survive the competition and the “unfit” would be filtered out of society. Critics say that he considered society similar to a biological system. Also, his idea of the survival of the fittest can be used to justify different kinds of inequalities.
41. Evaluate the relevance of Karl Marx's theory of class conflict in modern society. How would Marx’s theory of class struggle between the capitalist and working classes still apply today? Why?
ANSWER: Karl Marx’s theory of class conflict, emphasizing the clash between the bourgeoisie (the capitalist class) and the proletariat (the working class), remains a cornerstone in understanding historical and economic change. The theory remains relevant in modern society because of issues related to income inequality, labor exploitation, and the high concentration of wealth among the elite. Though labor has evolved with globalization and technology, conflict between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat still persists. For example, large business influence over political power and the rising gap between executive employees and the average worker reflects Marx’s philosophy on class struggle. His theory is applicable in modern society as it explains how power imbalance and economic disparity influence capitalist society.
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42. State the major assumptions of the functionalist perspective of sociology and explain how this perspective differs from the symbolic interactionist perspective.
ANSWER: Functionalist perspectives are based on the assumption that society is a stable, orderly system. This stable system is characterized by societal consensus, whereby the majority of members share a common set of values, beliefs, and behavioral expectations. A society is composed of interrelated parts, each of which serves a function and (ideally) contributes to the overall stability of the society. Societies develop social structures, or institutions that persist because they play a part in helping society survive. These institutions include the family, education, government, religion, and the economy. If anything adverse happens to one of these institutions or parts, all other parts are affected, and the system no longer functions properly. The functionalist perspective focuses primarily on a macrolevel analysis. A macrolevel analysis examines whole societies, large-scale social structures, and social systems instead of looking at important social dynamics in individuals' lives.
On the contrary, the symbolic interactionist perspective is based on a microlevel analysis, which focuses on small groups rather than large-scale social structures. According to this perspective, society is the sum of the interactions of people and groups. Behavior is learned in interactions with other people; how people define a situation becomes the foundation for how they behave.
43. State the major assumptions of the conflict perspectives of sociology. How can a conflict approach be used to explain suicide?
ANSWER: According to conflict perspectives, groups in society are engaged in a continuous power struggle for control of scarce resources. Conflict may take the form of politics, litigation, negotiations, or family discussions about financial matters. Today, advocates of the conflict perspective view social life as a continuous power struggle among competing social groups. The conflict perspective encompasses the following branches: (1) the neo-Marxist approach, which views struggle between the classes as inevitable and as a prime source of social change; (2) the branch that focuses on racial–ethnic inequalities and the continued exploitation of members of some racial–ethnic groups; and (3) the feminist approach, which focuses on gender issues. Conflict perspectives state that social-class pressures may affect rates of suicide among young people from lower-income families when they perceive that they have few educational or employment opportunities and little hope for the future. Feminist analysts employing a conflict perspective believe that social structural pressures on young women, such as cultural assumptions about women and what their multiple roles should be in the family, education, and the workplace, may contribute to suicide. Other conflict approaches suggest that racial and ethnic subordination may be a factor in some suicides.
44. State the major assumptions of the symbolic interactionist perspectives of sociology. Explain how this perspective differs from the conflict perspective of sociology.
ANSWER: According to symbolic interactionist perspectives, society is the sum of the interactions of individuals and groups. Symbolic interactionists focus on the process of interaction defined as immediate, reciprocally oriented communication between two or more people and the part that symbols play in giving meaning to human communication. Symbolic communication occurs in a variety of forms, including facial gestures, posture, tone of voice, and other symbolic gestures (such as a handshake or a clenched fist). In social encounters, each person's interpretation or definition of a given situation becomes a subjective reality from that person's viewpoint. Symbolic interactionists attempt to study how people make sense of their life situations and the way they go about their activities, in conjunction with others, on a day-to-day basis. The symbolic interactionist perspective is based on a microlevel analysis, which focuses on small groups rather than large-scale social structures. On the contrary, the conflict perspective focuses primarily on a macrolevel analysis. A macrolevel analysis examines whole societies, large-scale social structures, and social systems instead of looking at important social dynamics in individuals' lives.
45. Explain how the steps in the qualitative research model differ from the steps in the "conventional" quantitative model.
ANSWER: The underlying logic involved in both quantitative and qualitative sociological research is the same, but the styles of these two models are very different. In a quantitative approach, the researcher reviews previous
Chapter 01 - The Sociological Perspective and Research Process
research on the research problem, develops a hypothesis if the study is explanatory, and then develops the research design. On the contrary, in a qualitative approach, reviewing the literature and developing the research design often happen simultaneously. Typically, the next step in both these models is collecting and analyzing data to assess the validity of the starting proposition. Data gathering is the foundation of research. As compared to a quantitative model, a qualitative approach often involves a smaller number of cases. Researchers pursuing a qualitative approach tend to gather data in natural settings, such as where the person lives or works, rather than in a laboratory or other research setting, which is the case in a quantitative approach. In a qualitative approach, data collection and analysis frequently occur concurrently, and the analysis draws heavily on the language of the persons studied, not the researcher. In a quantitative approach, data collection and analysis occur sequentially; researchers first collect data and then analyze them. Once these steps are completed, the next step in both these models involves drawing conclusions from the research and reporting the findings to others.
46. Explain the process of conducting an experiment. Then, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of experiments as a research method. Describe how experiments can be used to demonstrate a cause-and-effect relationship between video games and an increase in violent tendencies in people who use them.
ANSWER: An experiment is a carefully designed situation in which researchers study the impact of certain variables on subjects' attitudes or behaviors. An experiment has an experimental group, which is exposed to the independent variable, and a control group, whose subjects are not exposed to the independent variable. A major advantage is the experimenter's control of the process; the greatest limitation is that the experiment is artificial the behavior takes place in an artificially created situation. Researchers may use experiments when they want to demonstrate that a cause-and-effect relationship exists between variables, such as whether violent video games (the independent variable) cause an increase in violent tendencies in people who use them (the dependent variable). To show that a change in the independent variable causes a change in the dependent variable, three conditions must be satisfied: (1) A correlation between the two variables must be shown to exist (correlation exists when two variables are associated more frequently than could be expected by chance); (2) the independent variable must have occurred prior to the dependent variable; and (3) any change in the dependent variable must not have been caused by an extraneous variable one outside the stated hypothesis.
47. List the guidelines set forth by the American Sociological Association's Code of Ethics for conducting research. Use these guidelines to explain the ethical concerns related to suicide research.
ANSWER: Researchers are required to obtain written "informed consent" statements from the persons they study. The American Sociological Association's Code of Ethics sets forth certain basic standards that sociologists must follow in conducting research. These standards are as follows: (1) Researchers must endeavor to maintain objectivity and integrity in their research by disclosing their research findings in full and including all possible interpretations of the data (even those interpretations that do not support their own viewpoints); (2) researchers must safeguard the participants' right to privacy and dignity while protecting them from harm; (3) researchers must protect confidential information provided by participants, even when this information is not considered to be "privileged" (legally protected, as is the case between doctor and patient and between attorney and client) and legal pressure is applied to reveal this information; and (4) researchers must acknowledge research collaboration and assistance they receive from others and disclose all sources of financial support. Sociologists are obligated to adhere to this code and to protect research participants. In the twenty-first century, some researchers have called attention to the ethics of suicide research. These ethical problems include how to maintain the confidentiality of research participants, as well as how to respond in a sensitive and supportive manner to meet their needs (Lakeman and Fitzgerald, 2009). When studies of suicides are conducted to provide better insights on how to reduce rates of suicide, these ethical concerns are important in all stages of the research process.
48. Compare and contrast the strengths and limitations of sociology with common sense in understanding social behavior. Assess the reliability of sociological methods versus common-sense explanations and provide examples to support your
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Name: Class:
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evaluation.
ANSWER: Will vary
49. Discuss Emile Durkheim's focus on the stability of society and contrast his views with the views of Karl Marx and Max Weber about conflict and social change.
ANSWER: Will vary
50. Evaluate a research study that violated the American Sociological Association's Code of Ethics. How did the researchers compromise the study’s integrity, and how did it impact the participants?
76. At the same time that urban problems were growing worse as a result of industrialization, social thinkers started to believe that by applying the methods developed by natural sciences, they might discover the laws of human behavior and apply these laws to solve social problems. This period is referred to as the __________.
Chapter 01 - The Sociological Perspective and Research Process
89. When you know something because an expert has proclaimed it to be true, you are relying on tradition for knowledge.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
90. Sociological research is generally only useful in academic settings.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
91. Which of these statements can be said of all soundly conducted sociological research?
a. It is all quantitative.
b. It is all qualitative.
c. It always has a plan for the collection of data.
d. It always follows the model of hypothesis.
ANSWER: c
92. Which statement about sociology as a science is true?
a. Most sociologists reject the use of the scientific method.
b. Sociologists almost always use hypothesis testing in their research.
c. Sociological research relies on empirical observation.
d. While quantitative research is considered scientific, qualitative research is not.
ANSWER: c
93. Kevin, a sociologist, decides to study the relationship between stress and aggression. He develops a hypothesis and conducts an experiment with a group of participants to systematically gather data. After analyzing the results, Kevin concludes that there is a positive correlation between stress and violence. In this scenario, Kevin is using to test his hypothesis.
a. commonsense thinking
b. research
c. systematic speculation
d. scientific laws
ANSWER: b
94. Which of the following represents the correct sequence of steps in the conventional research model?
a. Selecting and defining the research problem, developing the research design, collecting and analyzing the data, reviewing previous research, formulating the hypothesis, and drawing conclusions and reporting the findings.
b. Developing the research design, formulating the hypothesis, selecting and defining the research problem, collecting and analyzing the data, reviewing previous research, and drawing conclusions and reporting the findings.
c. Selecting and defining the research problem, reviewing previous research, formulating the hypothesis,
Chapter 01 - The Sociological Perspective and Research Process
developing the research design, collecting and analyzing the data, and drawing conclusions and reporting the findings.
d. Formulating the hypothesis, selecting and defining the research problem, drawing conclusions and reporting the findings, developing the research design, reviewing previous research, and collecting and analyzing the data.
ANSWER: c
Variables
95. A characteristic that may have more than one value or score is called a(n) a. variable.
b. value.
c. hypothesis.
d. observation.
ANSWER: a
96. Which of these statements is the best description of a variable?
a. A variable is something the researcher believes is irrelevant to the research outcome.
b. A variable is something that can have only one value.
c. A variable is something that can have more than one value or score.
d. A variable is a scientific statement of observation.
ANSWER: c
97. In the statement “Diet determines one’s life expectancy,” diet is the variable.
a. dependent
b. independent
c. intervening
d. control
ANSWER: b
98. If research clearly established that “study time determines the grades that a student earns,” grades are the variable.
a. dependent
b. independent
c. control
d. intervening
ANSWER: a
99. Dr. Gore believes that people who live in regions that have been impacted by multiple, severe storms or related natural disasters like flooding are more likely to report that climate change is serious concern to them than are people who live in regions that have not been impacted. Using National Weather Service data on storm severity, she categorizes people as living in regions impacted by at least one such storm in the five years or no such storms and then looks at the percentage of people who rate climate change as a serious concern based on where they live. In this example, what is
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the dependent variable?
a. The number of storms
b. Whether people see climate change as a serious concern
c. Whether people live in a region impacted by one or more severe storms
d. The total number of people surveyed
ANSWER: b
100. Dr. Gore believes that people who live in regions that have been impacted by multiple, severe storms or related natural disasters like flooding are more likely to report that climate change is serious concern to them than are people who live in regions that have not been impacted. Using National Weather Service data on storm severity, she categorizes people as living in regions impacted by at least one such storm in the five years or no such storms and then looks at the percentage of people who rate climate change as a serious concern based on where they live. In this example, what is the independent variable?
a. The number of storms
b. Whether people see climate change as a serious concern
c. Whether people live in a region impacted by one or more severe storms
d. The total number of people surveyed
ANSWER: c
101. A researcher is conducting a longitudinal study on how age affects the learning of a new language. In this study, age is a factor that differs for each participant. The learning capacity of each participant also differs based on his or her age. In this context, age and learning capacity are both measurable traits that are likely to differ from one time to another. Therefore, age and learning capacity are examples of __________.
a. variables
b. theories
c. hypotheses
d. principles
ANSWER: a
102. When studying the relationship between social integration and suicide, a researcher hypothesizes that a low degree of social integration causes suicide. In this case, the degree of social integration is a(n) __________.
a. independent variable
b. dependent variable
c. universal variable
d. control variable
ANSWER: a
103. LeBron has developed the hypothesis that the stress felt by single parents increases the probability of child abuse. In this case, stress would be considered the variable and child abuse would be considered the variable.
a. dependent; independent
b. universal; control
c. independent; dependent
d. control; universal
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ANSWER: c
104. Tracy, a researcher, is conducting a study to determine the effects of a relaxed working environment on the rate of productivity of individuals. In her study, the rate of productivity is the variable.
a. extraneous
b. control
c. dependent
d. independent
ANSWER: c
105. A is any concept with measurable traits or characteristics that can change or vary from one person, time, situation, or society to another. It is the observable and/or measurable counterpart of a concept.
a. variable
b. theory
c. hypothesis
d. unit of analysis
ANSWER: a
106. In a hypothesis, the researcher considers the to cause or determine the dependent variable.
a. independent variable
b. latent variable
c. extraneous variable
d. control variable
ANSWER: a
107. In a hypothesis, the researcher presumes the depend on the independent variable.
a. confounding variable
b. dependent variable
c. extraneous variable
d. control variable
ANSWER: b
108. Sociologist Emile Durkheim used the degree of social integration in society to determine its influence on the rate of suicide. In this example, the degree of social integration is the variable.
a. extraneous
b. dependent
c. independent
d. control
ANSWER: c
109. Sociologist Emile Durkheim used the degree of social integration in society to determine its influence on the rate of suicide. In this example, the rate of suicide is the variable.
a. dependent
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Chapter 01 - The Sociological Perspective and Research Process
b. control
c. independent
d. extraneous
ANSWER: a
110. A researcher has developed the hypothesis that an increase in the rate of unemployment in a region leads to an increase in the homicide rate for that region. In this context, the rate of unemployment will be considered the variable and the rate of homicide will be considered the variable.
a. dependent; independent
b. dependent; control
c. independent; dependent
d. independent; control
ANSWER: c
111. A researcher wants to study the impact of language training sessions on the quality of work of individuals in a content development firm. The training sessions specifically focus on articles. In this scenario, which of the following is most likely to be the operational definition of the dependent variable?
a. The number of article errors in an essay written by a participant
b. The duration of a training session
c. The number of sentences without errors in an essay written by a participant
d. The number of training sessions attended by a participant
ANSWER: a
112. Henry is a sociologist who is studying the effects of screen time on academic performance by asking participants to watch videos for four hours a day and then giving them an academic test. In this scenario, the number of hours of screen time is the independent variable and the scores on the test are the dependent variable.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
113. Variables are the observable and/or measurable counterparts of concepts; for example, "suicide" is a concept, whereas the "rate of suicide" is a variable.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
Surveys
114. Which of these is not a type of survey?
a. A mailed-out questionnaire asking people about the characteristics of their neighborhood
b. An in-person interview conducted with unemployed young adults
c. A telephone or Internet poll asking about intention to vote in an upcoming election
d. An experiment in which passersby are asked for help by individuals of varying appearances
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ANSWER: d
115. If a sociologist wants to know how students feel about the cost of living in residence halls, the most appropriate research method to use would be
a. an experiment.
b. a survey.
c. observation.
d. searching university records.
ANSWER: b
116. A researcher who is conducting a study on how religious views impact the voting behavior of the elderly sends an email with a questionnaire to all members of the population being studied. The people who complete the questionnaire and thereby provide data for analysis are called __________.
a. observers
b. respondents
c. placebos
d. controlled variables
ANSWER: b
117. One advantage of self-administered surveys is that they can easily be given to large numbers of people.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
118. The census is a type of __________.
a. secondary data analysis
b. ethnography
c. survey
d. field research
ANSWER: c
119. A researcher wishes to study the attitudes of the people of specific income groups toward capital punishment. For this purpose, the researcher plans to select a representative sample of 5000 individuals, with each income group being represented by 1000 individuals. Which of the following research methods would be the best for this research?
a. Content analysis
b. An experiment
c. Participant observation
d. A survey
ANSWER: d
120. are persons who provide data for analysis through interviews or questionnaires.
a. Observers
b. Respondents
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c. Auditors
d. Controllers
ANSWER: b
121. are the most widely used research method in the social sciences because they make it possible to study things that are not directly observable (such as people's attitudes and beliefs) and to describe a population too large to observe directly.
a. Field experiments
b. Surveys
c. Case studies
d. Correlational studies
ANSWER: b
122. Yasmin, a sociologist, wants to study the attitudes of the American public on gun control legislation. For her study, she wants to study the attitudes and beliefs of a sample of 10,000 people, but she does not have time to interview each of them. Which of the following research methods should Yasmin use?
a. A survey
b. An experiment
c. An ethnography
d. A case study
ANSWER: a
123. In the context of survey research, a(n) is a printed research instrument containing a series of items to which subjects respond.
a. questionnaire
b. case study
c. ethnography
d. histogram
ANSWER: a
124. Which of the following is most likely a weakness of survey research?
a. It frequently relies on captive audiences.
b. It does not allow researchers to do multivariate analysis.
c. It does not allow researchers to generalize results to a larger population.
d. It tends to force respondents into categories in which they may or may not belong.
ANSWER: d
125. In survey research, researchers frequently select a representative sample (a small group of respondents) from a larger population (the total group of people) to answer questions about their attitudes, opinions, or behavior.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
Chapter 01 - The Sociological Perspective and Research Process
Participant Observation
126. Claudio wants to learn more about the process of online radicalization and joins several groups. As he interacts more with group members, he becomes trusted and is able to ask questions about their experiences. Claudio is engaging in participant observation.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
127. A researcher who lives among the homeless in an effort to understand their norms is carrying out
a. participant observation.
b. content analysis.
c. unobtrusive observation.
d. survey research.
ANSWER: a
128. The research technique in which the sociologist is the researcher but is also involved in the activities being studied is called
a. subjective analysis.
b. participant observation.
c. actor-action research.
d. ethnography.
ANSWER: b
129. The research method that permits the sociologist to be active in a situation while objectively monitoring it at the same time is called
a. content analysis.
b. participant observation.
c. research on the web.
d. structured interviews.
ANSWER: b
130. An advantage of doing participant observation research is that it can be conducted very quickly without much preparation or effort on the part of the researcher.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
131. To understand the process coroners use to determine whether or not a death is a suicide, a sociologist works for six months in the coroner's office and spends as much time as possible observing coroners at work. This is an example of
a. an experiment
b. survey research
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c. participant observation
d. secondary analysis
ANSWER: c
132. refers to the process of collecting systematic impressions while being part of the activities of the group that the researcher is studying.
a. Experimental research
b. Survey research
c. Participant observation
d. Secondary analysis
ANSWER: c
133. To study interpersonal communication in teenagers, a researcher watches high school students in a classroom for a week to determine their communication patterns and the words that they commonly use to interact with peers and teachers. In this scenario, the researcher is using __________.
a. participant observation
b. a case study
c. an ethnography
d. experimental research
ANSWER: a
134. Lucy wanted to gather inside information on how volunteers at a social welfare center assist children with special needs and cater to their problems. To learn more about this, Lucy spent over six months at the center, gathering systematic data based on what she saw while being part of the activities of the group. In this scenario, Lucy used as a method of gathering data.
a. survey research
b. secondary analysis
c. content analysis
d. participant observation
ANSWER: d
135. Sociologists who are interested in examining social interaction as it occurs primarily use participant observation.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
Experiments
136. A(n) is a controlled artificial situation that allows researchers to manipulate variables and measure the effects of those manipulations.
a. experiment
b. secondary analysis
c. survey
Chapter 01 - The Sociological Perspective and Research Process
d. content analysis
ANSWER: a
137. In a controlled experiment, the group that is exposed to the variable being studied is called the _____, and the group not being exposed is called the _____.
a. control group; sample
b. experimental group; control group
c. sample; population
d. population; sample
ANSWER: b
138. Dr. Abadia is studying the effects of being “trolled” on subsequent replies to posts. A randomly selected half of his subjects are trolled by someone posing as a member of the online group and the other half are not. The group that gets trolled is called the group.
a. control
b. experimental
c. participant
d. concept
ANSWER: b
139. is a carefully designed situation in which a researcher studies the impact of certain variables on subjects' attitudes or behavior.
a. A case study
b. A correlational study
c. An experiment
d. Participant observation
ANSWER: c
140. In an experiment, the contains the subjects who are exposed to an independent variable to study its effect on them.
a. experimental group
b. dependent group
c. control group
d. independent group
ANSWER: a
141. Olivia, a sociologist, is conducting a study to determine the effectiveness of a new drug for migraine. She gives one group of subjects the drug and another group of subjects a pill that resembles the drug. In this context, the group that receives the drug is the __________.
a. experimental group
b. correlated group
c. control group
d. deviant group
Chapter 01 - The Sociological Perspective and Research Process
ANSWER: a
142. In an experiment, the contains the subjects who are not exposed to the independent variable.
a. experimental group
b. correlated group
c. deviant group
d. control group
ANSWER: d
143. Fiona, a sociologist, examined the effects of playing violent video games on interpersonal communication by asking one group of subjects to play a violent video game for four hours and another group of subjects to play a video game that did not have violence for the same duration. In this scenario, the group that played the nonviolent video game would be considered the __________.
a. correlated group
b. experimental group
c. control group
d. dependent group
ANSWER: c
144. Conventional experiments require that subjects be divided into two groups: a control group which comprises the subjects who are exposed to the independent variable, and an experimental which comprises subjects who are not exposed to the independent variable.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
Content Analysis
145. Researchers studied the portrayal of African Americans in prime-time television shows and found an increase from the 1970s, when African Americans made up 6 percent of characters (compared to 12 percent of the U.S. population), through the early 2000s, when African Americans made up 16 percent of characters (compared to 13 percent of the U.S. population). This demonstrates
a. how content analysis may be used to measure cultural change.
b. the limitations of doing content analysis.
c. the need for more studies of prime-time television content.
d. the racist nature of American society today.
ANSWER: a
146. What research method would be most appropriate for a study of cultural changes over long periods of time?
a. Participant observation, in which individuals from different age groups are observed
b. A survey, in which people are asked about their own behavior and attitudes over a period of time
c. Content analysis, in which media from different time periods are sampled
d. Experiment, in which people are asked to act like individuals from certain eras would have acted
Chapter 01 - The Sociological Perspective and Research Process
ANSWER: c
147. is the systematic examination of cultural artifacts or various forms of communication to extract thematic data and draw conclusions about social life.
a. Content analysis
b. Content standardization
c. Content validity
d. Content reliability
ANSWER: a
148. is the systematic examination of cultural artifacts or various forms of communication to extract thematic data and draw conclusions about social life.
a. Content analysis
b. Content standardization
c. Content validity
d. Content reliability
ANSWER: a
149. Simone, a researcher, wants to determine the prevalence of sexism in elementary school textbooks. She studies five textbooks each of public schools and private schools and looks for regular patterns, such as the frequency of the masculine pronoun "he" in examples and the use of stereotypical scenarios. In this context, Simone is using for her study.
a. an ethnography
b. an experiment
c. survey research
d. content analysis
ANSWER: d
150. A sociology student conducted a systematic examination of letters to the editor in his local paper to study the general grievance issues of the residents in his area. He looked for regular patterns, such as the frequency of the words error and insensitive. In this scenario, the student most likely conducted __________.
a. content analysis.
b. an experiment.
c. survey research.
d. an ethnography
ANSWER: a
Instructor Manual
Instructor Manual: Kendall, Sociology In Our Times: The Essentials, 13e, 2026, 9798214147369; Chapter 1: Sociological Perspective and Research Process
PURPOSE AND PERSPECTIVE OF THE CHAPTER
The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the fundamental aspects of sociology and its research methods. It begins by defining sociology and the sociological imagination, emphasizing their importance in understanding social life from a global perspective. The chapter explores sociology’s historical development, from early thinkers’ focus on social order to later concerns with social change. It examines major theoretical perspectives – functionalist, conflict, symbolic interactionist, and postmodern –showing how each uniquely approaches social analysis. The chapter then demonstrates the value of sociological research in challenging common assumptions about social issues, explaining both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. It outlines four main research methods: surveys, secondary analysis, field research, and experiments. Finally, it addresses the ethical considerations and professional standards that govern sociological research to protect participants.
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES
The following objectives are addressed in this chapter:
1-1 Define sociology and how it can contribute to our understanding of social life.
1-2 Describe what is meant by the sociological imagination and how we can develop a global sociological imagination.
1-3 Explain the historical context in which sociological thinking developed and why many early social thinkers were concerned with social order and stability.
1-4 Explain why many later social thinkers were concerned with social change.
1-5 Compare the key differences among the functionalist, conflict, symbolic interactionist, and postmodern perspectives on contemporary social life.
1-6 Explain why sociological research is necessary and how it challenges our commonsense beliefs about pressing social issues such as work, employment, and social isolation.
1-7 Compare quantitative research and qualitative research methods including the steps used in each.
1-8 Compare the four main types of research methods (surveys, secondary analysis, field research, and experiments).
1-9 Discuss the ethical concerns involved in sociological research and the professional codes that protect research participants. [return to top]
Instructor Manual: Kendall, Sociology In Our Times: The Essentials, 13e, 2026, 9798214147369; Chapter 1: Sociological Perspective and Research Process
KEY TERMS
Anomie: Emile Durkheim’s term for a condition in which social control becomes ineffective as a result of the loss of shared values and of a sense of purpose in society.
Conflict perspectives: The sociological approach that views groups in society as engaged in a continuous power struggle for control of scarce resources.
Content analysis: The systematic examination of cultural artifacts or various forms of communication to extract thematic data and draw conclusions about social life.
Control group: The group that contains the subjects who are not exposed to the independent variable.
Correlation: A relationship that exists when two variables are associated more frequently than could be expected by chance.
Dependent variable: In an experiment, the variable assumed to be caused by the independent variable(s).
Ethnography: A detailed study of the life and activities of a group of people by researchers who may live with that group over a period of years.
Experiment: A carefully designed situation in which the researcher studies the impact of certain variables on subjects’ attitudes or behavior.
Experimental group: The group that contains the subjects who are exposed to an independent variable (the experimental condition) to study its effect on them.
Functionalist perspectives: The sociological approach that views society as a stable, orderly system.
High-income countries: Nations with highly industrialized economies; technologically advanced industrial, administrative, and service occupations; and relatively high levels of national and personal income.
Hypothesis: A statement of the expected relationship between two or more variables.
Independent variable: In an experiment, the variable assumed to be the cause of the relationship between variables.
Industrialization: The process by which societies are transformed from dependence on agriculture and handmade products to an emphasis on manufacturing and related industries.
Interview: A data-collection encounter in which an interviewer asks the respondent questions and records the answers.
Instructor Manual: Kendall, Sociology In Our Times: The Essentials, 13e, 2026, 9798214147369; Chapter 1: Sociological Perspective and Research Process
Latent functions: Unintended functions that are hidden and remain unacknowledged by participants.
Low-income countries: Primarily agrarian nations with little industrialization and low levels of national and personal income.
Macrolevel analysis: An approach that examines whole societies, large-scale social structures, and social systems instead of looking at important social dynamics in individuals’ lives.
Manifest functions: Functions that are intended and/or overtly recognized by the participants in a social unit.
Microlevel analysis: An approach that focuses on small groups rather than largescale social structures.
Middle-income countries: Nations with industrializing economies, particularly in urban areas, and moderate levels of national and personal income.
Participant observation: A research method in which researchers collect systematic observations while being part of the activities of the group being studied.
Positivism: A belief that the world can best be understood through scientific inquiry.
Postmodern perspectives: The sociological approach that attempts to explain social life in contemporary societies that are characterized by postindustrialization, consumerism, and global communication.
Qualitative research: Sociological research methods that use interpretive descriptions (words) rather than statistics (numbers) to analyze underlying meanings and patterns of social relationships.
Quantitative research: Sociological research methods based on the goal of scientific objectivity; they focus on data that can be measured numerically.
Questionnaire: A printed research instrument containing a series of items to which subjects respond.
Reliability: The extent to which a study or research instrument yields consistent results when applied to different individuals at one time or to the same individuals over time.
Research methods: Specific strategies or techniques for systematically conducting research.
Secondary analysis: A research method in which researchers use existing material and analyze data that were originally collected by others.
Social Darwinism: Herbert Spencer’s belief that those species of animals, including human beings, best adapted to their environment survive and prosper, whereas those poorly adapted die out.
Instructor Manual: Kendall, Sociology In Our Times: The Essentials, 13e, 2026, 9798214147369; Chapter 1: Sociological Perspective and Research Process
Social facts: Emile Durkheim’s term for patterned ways of acting, thinking, and feeling which exist outside any one individual but exert social control over each person.
Society: A large social grouping that shares the same geographical territory and is subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural expectations.
Sociological imagination: C. Wright Mills’ term for the ability to see the relationship between individual experiences and the larger society.
Sociology: The systematic study of human society and social interaction.
Survey: A poll in which the researcher gathers facts or attempts to determine the relationships among facts.
Symbolic interactionist perspectives: The sociological approach that views society as the sum of the interactions of individuals and groups.
Theory: A set of logically interrelated statements that attempts to describe, explain, and (occasionally) predict social events.
Urbanization: The process by which an increasing proportion of a population lives in cities rather than in rural areas.
Validity: The extent to which a study or research instrument accurately measures what it is supposed to measure.
Variable: Any concept with measurable traits or characteristics that can change or vary from one person, time, situation, or society to another
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WHAT’S NEW IN THIS CHAPTER
The following elements are improvements in this chapter from the previous edition:
• Updated learning objectives for research process
• Revised research process discussion to focus on remote work, social isolation, and social connections.
• Updated figures for research process steps:
o Figure 1.5 Steps in Sociological Research Using a Deduction Approach
o Figure 1.7 Steps in the Sociological Research Process Using an Inductive Approach
• New Figure 1.8 Percentage of U.S. Home-Based Workers by Age, 2021
• New examples of studies, which focus on social isolation and connection, to highlight various sociology research methods
Instructor Manual: Kendall, Sociology In Our Times: The Essentials, 13e, 2026, 9798214147369; Chapter 1: Sociological Perspective and Research Process
CHAPTER OUTLINE
I. Putting Social Life into Perspective
II. Why Should You Study Sociology?
a. The Sociological Imagination
b. The Importance of Global Sociological Imagination
III. The Development of Sociological Thinking
IV. The Development of Sociology
a. Early Thinkers: A Concern with Social Order and Stability
i. Auguste Comte
ii. Harriet Martineau
iii. Herbert Spencer
b. Differing Views on the Status Quo: Stability or Change?
i. Karl Marx
ii. Max Weber
iii. Georg Simmel
c. The Beginnings of Sociology in the United States
i. The Chicago School
ii. W. E. B. Du Bois and Atlanta University
V. Contemporary Theoretical Perspectives
a. Functionalist Perspectives
i. Talcott Parsons and Robert K. Merton
ii. Applying a Functional Perspective to Employment
b. Conflict Perspectives
i. Max Weber and C. Wright Mills
ii. The Feminist Approach
iii. Applying Conflict Perspectives to Employment
c. Symbolic Interactionist Perspectives
i. Applying Symbolic Interactionist Perspectives to Work
d. Postmodern Perspectives
i. Applying Postmodern Perspectives to Work
VI. The Sociological Research Process
a. Conducting Quantitative Research
b. Conducting Qualitative Research
VII. Research Methods
a. Survey Research
i. Types of surveys
b. Secondary Analysis of Existing Data
Instructor Manual: Kendall, Sociology In Our Times: The Essentials, 13e, 2026, 9798214147369; Chapter 1: Sociological Perspective and Research Process
c. Field Research d. Experiments
VIII. Ethical Issues in Sociological Research
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ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
The following are discussion questions that do not appear in the text, PPTs, or courseware – they are for you to use as you wish. You can assign these questions several ways: in a discussion forum in your LMS; as whole-class discussions in person; or as a partner or group activity in class.
1. Discussion: Origins of Sociology, Duration 30 minutes. This discussion aims to help students understand the development of sociological thinking and early social thinkers.
a. Why did rapid industrialization and urbanization lead to the development of sociological thinking?
i. Answer: Industrialization transformed society from dependence on agriculture and handmade products to an emphasis on manufacturing and related industries, while urbanization increased the proportion of the population that lives in cities rather than in rural areas.
b. What current events have the ability to influence the development of sociological thinking today? How?
i. Answer: Answers will vary. However, students may mention the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, climate change, the Black Lives Matter movements, student loan debt, technology (Metaverse), etc.
2. Discussion: Functionalist Perspectives, Duration 10 minutes. This discussion allows students to apply functionalist perspectives to colleges and universities.
a. What are the manifest functions of colleges and universities?
i. Answer: Providing students with an intellectual framework, imparting practical skills, and conveying society’s values.
b. What latent functions do colleges and universities perform?
i. Answer: Socialization with peers and conformity to norms.
3. Discussion: The Beginnings of Sociology in the United States, Duration 20 minutes. This discussion helps students understand the key figures in early American sociology and their main ideas.
Instructor Manual: Kendall, Sociology In Our Times: The Essentials, 13e, 2026, 9798214147369; Chapter 1: Sociological Perspective and Research Process
a. Compare and contrast the approaches of Jane Addams and W.E.B. Du Bois in addressing social issues.
i. Answer: Jane Addams founded Hull House to help economically disadvantaged people in Chicago and focused on practical social work. W.E.B. Du Bois focused on research about Black communities and created the concept of double-consciousness (being both Black and American).
b. Which social problems studied by early sociologists still exist today? Give examples.
i. Answer: Answers may include urban poverty, racial discrimination, social inequality, community problems in cities.
4. Discussion: Conducting Quantitative Research, Duration 30 minutes. This discussion helps students understand the basic steps of conducting quantitative research in sociology.
a. What are the steps in the sociological research process using a deductive approach which aligns well with quantitative research?
i. Answer:
1. Select and define the research problem
2. Review previous research
3. Formulate the hypothesis (if applicable)
4. Develop the research design
5. Collect and analyze the data
6. Draw conclusions and report the findings
b. What is the difference between dependent and independent variables? Give an example.
i. Answer: The independent variable is presumed to be the cause of the relationship; the dependent variable is assumed to be caused by the independent variable(s). For example (answers may vary):
• Independent variable: amount of study time
• Dependent variable: test scores
5. Discussion: Survey Research Methods, Duration: 20 minutes. This discussion helps students understand different types of surveys and their applications in sociological research.
a. What are the main types of surveys and what are their key characteristics?
i. Answer:
1. Self-administered questionnaires (mailed, online, or group administered)
2. Face-to-face interviews (structured interviews with standardized questions)
3. Telephone/computer surveys (like Gallup World Poll)
b. Why are surveys the most widely used research method in social sciences? What can they measure that other methods cannot?
[return to top]
i. Answer:
• They can study things not directly observable (attitudes and beliefs).
• They can describe large populations through representative samples.
• They allow researchers to collect standardized data.
• They can reach diverse populations across different locations.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES AND ASSIGNMENTS
The following are activities and assignments developed by Cengage but are not included in the text, PPTs, or courseware – they are for you to use if you wish.
1. Sociology as science: Explain the difference between common-sense knowledge and what we know to be true because of scientific research. The text uses the example of suicide throughout Chapter 1.
a. Bring in copies of the “How Much Do You Know about Suicide?” quiz from this chapter. Instead of having students take the quiz individually, have them do so in small groups.
b. To prevent students from working as individuals, give each group a single quiz. This method gets students talking with each other about the subject matter and talking through ideas. Students may be hesitant at first to take part in a discussion with you.
2. The sociological imagination: Search news sources on the Internet in class and use some of these as a springboard for your presentation of C. Wright Mills’ ideas about the sociological imagination.
a. Find stories that seem to relate news about personal problems such as family, crime, employment, and education.
b. You may have to help your students work backward to determine how these stories reflect personal troubles.
c. What are the social issues involved? Challenge your class to engage in big-picture thinking.
3. Social facts: Help students understand the nature and power of social facts. Brainstorm with students and come up with a list of social facts. Next, address these questions:
a. What did individuals do to create this social fact?
b. How does this fact affect the way that people behave and think?
c. How does this fact affect the way I behave and think? What causes social facts to change?
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Instructor Manual: Kendall, Sociology In Our Times: The Essentials, 13e, 2026, 9798214147369; Chapter 1: Sociological Perspective and Research Process
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
VIDEO SUGGESTIONS
The Bridge (94 minutes)
Over the span of a year, cameras capture tormented souls trying to kill themselves by leaping from San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. This provocative documentary underscores the landmark’s reputation as the world’s most popular suicide destination. Through poignant interviews with family, friends, and eyewitnesses, director Eric Steel’s film reveals a common thread of depression, despair, and chronic mental illness (http://www.thebridgethemovie.com).
Gosford Park (138 minutes)
This is a great film that demonstrates the stark class distinctions that persist in other parts of the world. The film will help students understand the kind of world that Marx was addressing as he developed his grand theory. There are several excellent clips you can discuss with students; or you can assign the film for extra credit. Watch it yourself before your presentation about social theories.
Guns, Germs, and Steel (180 minutes; National Geographic Video)
Showing clips from this video, which is based on the bestselling book by the biologist Jared Diamond, can help you explain social evolution (Spencer) and the impact of industrialization and urbanization on the development of world civilizations. Your university library may have access to this film.
Baraka (97 minutes)
This is an incredible and stunning visual tour de force of cultures from around the world. It’s a great way to introduce students to the concept of “big picture thinking.” Show the whole film for a huge impact, or show bits and pieces (you can present additional clips during your study of culture, in Chapter 2). This film is widely available for purchase or rental.
Les Miserables (159 minutes)
Show the whole film or just excerpts to capture the mood of the Industrial Revolution across Europe. This film helps you show students the historical context of thinkers like Comte, Marx, and Spencer.
A Death of One’s Own (88 minutes; Films for the Humanities and Sciences)
This film addresses issues related to personal control and physician-assisted suicide. Bill Moyers hosts interviews with three families and their doctors.
The Suicide Plan (83 minutes; Frontline)
Instructor Manual: Kendall, Sociology In Our Times: The Essentials, 13e, 2026, 9798214147369; Chapter 1: Sociological Perspective and Research Process
This Frontline film explores the underground world of assisted suicide from the point of view of not only those choosing to die but also those people and organizations that assist them. (From the PBS Frontline website.)
Karl Marx and Marxism (53 minutes; Films for the Humanities and Sciences)
This program looks at Marx, the roots of his philosophy, the explanations of his philosophical development, and the most direct outcome of his philosophy: the failed Soviet Union.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR INSTRUCTORS
• Anderson, L. W., & Krathwohl, D. R. (Eds.). (2001). A taxonomy for learning, teaching, and assessing: A revision of Bloom’s taxonomy of educational objectives. New York: Addison Wesley Longman.
• Bayly, C. A. (2004). The Birth of the Modern World, 1780–1914: Global connections and comparisons. Oxford: Blackwell Publishers.
• Berger, P. (1963). Invitation to sociology. Garden City, NY: Doubleday.
• Bloom, B. S. (Ed.), Engelhart, M. D., Furst, E. J., Hill, W. H., & Krathwohl, D. R. (1956). Taxonomy of educational objectives: Handbook I: Cognitive domain. New York: David McKay.
• Bryant-Serrano, M. I. (1995). Teaching sociology in the community college. Washington, DC: American Sociological Association. McKinney, Kathleen, and James Sikora (eds.) 1990.
• Charon, J. (2004). Ten questions: A sociological perspective, 5th ed. Belmont CA: Wadsworth.
• Diamond, J. (1997). Guns, germs, and steel: The fates of human societies. New York: W.W. Norton & Co.
• Du Bois, W. E. B. (1903). The souls of black folk: Essays and sketches. Chicago: A.C. McClurg & Co.
• Durkheim, E. (1897). Suicide. 1951 edition. Trans. and ed. by John A. Spaulding and George Simpson. New York: Free Press.
• George, P. G. (1994). The effectiveness of cooperative learning strategies in multicultural university classrooms. Journal of Excellence in College Teaching, 51, 21–30.
• Himmelfarb, G. (2004). The roads to modernity: The British, French, and American enlightenments. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
• Marx, K., & Engels, F. (1848). The communist manifesto. 1955 edition. New York: Appleton- Century-Crofts.
• McGee, R. (ed.). (1991). Teaching the mass class (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: American Sociological Association.
• Meyers, C., & Jones, T. B. (1993). Promoting active learning: Strategies for the college classroom. San Francisco: Jossey Bass.
• Mills, C. W. (1956). The power elite. New York: Oxford University Press.
Instructor Manual: Kendall, Sociology In Our Times: The Essentials, 13e, 2026, 9798214147369; Chapter 1: Sociological Perspective and Research Process
• Mills, C. W. (1959). The sociological imagination. New York: Oxford University Press.
• Sikora, J., & Mbugua, N. (2004). Introductory sociology resource manual (6th ed.). Washington, D.C.: American Sociological Association.
• Solomon, R., & Solomon, J. (1993). Up the university: Re-creating higher education in America. Reading, MA: Addison Wesley.
• Teaching Sociology, a quarterly publication of the American Sociological Association, 1722 N. Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20036, phone (202) 833-3410.
• Turner, J Beeghley, L., & Powers, C. H. (1995). The emergence of sociological theory (3rd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
• Weber, M. (1978). Economy and Society: An outline of interpretive sociology. Oakland, CA: University of California Press.
INTRO SOCIOLOGY YOUTUBE CHANNEL
• Intro Sociology YouTube Channel: Use the Intro Sociology YouTube Channel as a resource to help students further understand concepts and topics from each chapter.
