Ch 2: Perspectives & Research in Sociology
About This Chapter
CLEP Social Sciences and History: Perspectives and Research in Sociology - Chapter Summary and Learning Objectives
The lessons in this chapter introduce you to the field of sociology and its importance. Our experienced instructors teach you about the theoretical perspectives that shape the field of sociology and present the various types of research design. The chapter features fun lessons and quick quizzes that help you easily retain the concepts presented here. When you've finished watching all the lessons in this chapter, you'll have an understanding of:
- Applications for sociology
- Structural-functional and social conflict approaches
- Approaches to research in sociology
- Experimental design
| Video | Objective |
|---|---|
| Sociology: Overview & Importance | Examine common themes in sociology and find out why it's important. |
| Sociology's Four Theoretical Perspectives: Structural-Functional, Social Conflict, Feminism & Symbolic Interactionism | List and assess these four perspectives on sociological theory. |
| Sociological Research: Approaches & Designs | Study the positivist, interpretative and critical approaches to research and examine different types of research design. |
| True Experimental Design | Identify the components of true experimental design, such as experimental and control groups, samples, populations and independent and dependent variables. |
1. Sociology: Overview & Importance
In this lesson you will explore the discipline of the social sciences called sociology and discover the goals, methods, and uses of this area of study. Then, test your understanding with a brief quiz.
2. Sociology's Four Theoretical Perspectives: Structural-Functional, Social Conflict, Feminism & Symbolic Interactionism
Theories are an essential part of the framework used to organize specific social phenomena within the social sciences. This lesson introduces the four major theoretical perspectives in sociology, including structural-functional, social conflict, feminism, and symbolic interactionism.
3. Sociological Research: Approaches & Designs
In this lesson, you will explore the ways that sociologists actually conduct their research and discover how something complex can be studied using numbers and other methods. Then, test your understanding with a brief quiz.
4. True Experimental Design
Experiments are the classic way to conduct research in almost any field of study. But do you know how true experiments really work? This lesson explains the details of experimental design, such as different types of samples, control groups and independent vs. dependent variables.
Earning College Credit
Did you know… We have over 200 college courses that prepare you to earn credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. You can test out of the first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. Anyone can earn credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level.
To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page
Transferring credit to the school of your choice
Not sure what college you want to attend yet? Study.com has thousands of articles about every imaginable degree, area of study and career path that can help you find the school that's right for you.
Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Psychology, Sociology & Anthropology Study Guide course
