Sociology Research

Term Paper # 105278

Sociology

Sociology Research

This paper discusses the methods and strategies used in the field of sociological research.

959 words () | 4 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper looks at the sociological approach that involves the scientific method of experimentation and also implements both qualitative and quantitative methods of enquiry. The paper looks at homelessness and boot camp style training as two recent examples of social phenomena which have been examined by sociologists. The paper examines the research of Robert W. Winslow and David Snow and shows how successful sociological work has to bring a variety of methods and strategies to each problem it examines.

From the Paper:

"Sociology involves a collection of closely related disciplines that all share in common the goal of explaining, through empirical research, societal and group dynamics. Related fields involve political sociology, race and economic sociology, and so forth. They all involve extensive field research, which often distinguishes this field from other academic fields which are more laboratory oriented. The goal of sociological research is to provide its results to administrators, lawmakers, corporate officials and educators with information which they may use in making decisions about public policy, law, education, and organizational procedures (Willis 6). Both homelessness and boot camp training are issues which overlap and involve both public policy and private regulation, so any sociological research in those areas will benefit both spheres of influence."

Sample of Sources Used:

"'Framing' the homeless with Prof. David Snow." Today at UC Irvine. 18 March 2003. http://today.uci.edu/Features/profile_detail.asp?key=112.
Gracey, Harry L. "Kindergarten as Academic Boot Camp." In Down to Earth Sociology: Introductory Readings. 14th edition. Ed. James M. Menslin. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2006.
"SDSU Professor Reboots Kids' Futures in Computer Boot Camp." Advancement: Journal of SDSU. Fall 1999. http://advancement.sdsu.edu/marcomm/Fall99News/ReleasesONLY/Winslow.html.
Willis, Evan. The Sociological Quest: Introduction to the Study of Social Life. New Brunswick: Rutgers UP 1996.