The document provides an overview of topics that will be addressed in the study of sociology. It discusses how sociology examines groups, how they are formed and how they change, as well as the actions of individuals within groups. Some key topics that may be studied include social structure, conformity, theoretical perspectives like functionalism and symbolic interactionism, and how sociologists seek to understand the influence of groups on individual behavior. Information is gathered through observation and measurement of "social facts" like attendance at events, crime patterns, marriage rates, etc. The purpose of studying sociology is to better understand how group behavior shapes individuals and societies over time.

2. CONSIDER: If sociology is the study of groups—how they are formed and how they change—and with the actions of individuals within these groups, THEN What topics will be addressed in the study of sociology? (Please Answer)

3. What is studied in sociology? Given the list of topics that may be studied in sociology, what questions might be asked about these topics? YOUR TASK: In groups, create a list of questions that may be asked about your topic in relation to the study of sociology?

4. What is Sociology? Sociology – the study of groups—how they are formed and how they change—and with the actions of individuals within these groups Groups – can range from individual family to an entire society Social Structure – the patterned interaction of people in social relationships Categories of people will interact in the same patterned way or relationship regardless of time or location

5. When studying groups, sociologists are attempting to answer 4 basic questions: How much of human behavior is inherited? How much of human behavior is learned? How much is human behavior determined by the individual? How much is human behavior determined by the group?

6. In the study of sociology, how is information gathered? Social facts are any social activity or situation that can be observed and measured. Examples of social facts could be: attendance at sporting events, crime patterns, patterns of religious affiliation, marriage rates, unemployment and underemployment rates, patterns of educational level reached

7. Conformity What is conformity? acting according to certain accepted standards

8. Conformity Why do people conform? Emotional response, such as joy or fear Acceptance into group Shared values with group

9. Sociology and Conformity How understanding conformity contribute to the study of sociology?

10. Sociological Assumptions People do not make decisions in isolation rather they value the attitudes of the group People base decisions on the norms and values of groups People will conform to match group behavior.

11. What is the purpose of studying sociology? How does group behavior influence individual behavior , or cause an individual to conform? How does the group change behavior over time? How can the group be used to change or influence individual behavior? How do events effect individual’s daily lives? How do events and group behavior help a person make decisions about his/her own life?

12. Theoretical Perspectives Theoretical perspective a set of assumptions accepted as true, or an area of study The way you interpret and understand the meaning of an image or event In sociology, theoretical perspectives are assumptions on how society should be studied

13. Functionalism Definition: Approach that emphasizes the contributions made by each part of society Example: Family, economy and religion are “parts” of a society and each contributes to other “parts” of society How does theory explain change in society? A change in one part of society can lead to change in another part of society Society tends to return to a state of stability after some upheaval has occurred

14. Conflict Perspective

15. Symbolic Interactionism Definition the approach that focuses on the interactions among people based on mutually understood symbols How does theory explain change in society? Symbolic Interactionism Assumption #1 we learn the meaning of a symbol from the way we see others reacting to it Symbolic Interactionism Assumption #2 we base our behavior or interaction based on the meanings of symbols Symbolic Interactionism Assumption #3 we use the meanings of symbols to imagine how others will respond to our behavior