sociology paper
Instructions:
the paper will be testing your understanding of the materials assigned in readings and discussed in class during the first half of the semester. You are asked to answer the questions as thoroughly as possible. To do this you may use the Conley text, and lecture notes, (remember to credit people for their words and ideas when you use them (in other words, do not plagiarize (it’s illegal)). Please take the time to explain the ideas or concepts you use in your answers. Answer questions using your own words. This means, do not answer Paper questions by quoting the text. Your answers should reflect your understanding of the materials that you have read and that have been discussed in class. This paper is a solitary activity, and this means that you are not to work “in groups.” There is no page limit for the exam, nor is there a page or paragraph minimum (though writing a page and a half double-spaced per question seems reasonable). Again, you are only required to be thorough, and fully answer the howmwork questions (though partial credit will be assessed for those responses that are less than complete). Please be sure to number your question responses appropriately. Answer all questions
(25 points each)
1. Identify and briefly describe the key features of the three major theoretical perspectives (or paradigms) in Sociology, and discuss the differences between them. Briefly describe the notion of the Sociological Imagination, and identify the social theorist who developed it. Briefly discuss the significance of research methods in the field of sociology. What is the difference between ‘reliability’, and ‘validity’? Briefly discuss the differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods.
2. Briefly discuss the significance of culture, and identify some of the elements of culture discussed in class. Briefly discuss the relation between culture and media as described in the Conley text. Briefly discuss the concept of socialization, and list the various agents of socialization. Briefly discuss the idea of social interaction. Briefly discuss the significant differences between groups of two and groups of three or more.
3. Briefly discuss the difference between deviance and crime. Briefly discuss the various types of deviants (primary, and secondary). Briefly discuss the concept of social control. Briefly discuss the relationship between social stigma and deviance. Briefly discuss the connection between sanctions and deviance.
4. Briefly discuss the relationship between social stratification and social inequality. List and briefly describe the various systems of stratification discussed in our textbook. Briefly discuss the idea of social mobility. Briefly discuss the role of meritocracy in a stratified society like the US.
Extra Credit (4 points)
Based on our in-class discussions, briefly explain the relationship between culture, socialization and social interaction.