Delta State University
Sociology 101
Spring Semester 2003

Study Questions
Henslin Text, Chapter 1

 (1) Identify the following classical sociologists and their contributions to the discipline:

Auguste Comte
Herbert Spencer
Karl Marx
Emile Durkheim
Max Weber
Harriet Martineau
Jane Addams
W.E.B. DuBois
Talcott Parsons
C. Wright Mills
Robert Merton

(2) Henslin quotes sociologist C. Wright Mills: “The sociological perspective enables us to grasp the connection between history and biography.”  What does Mills statement tell us about the subject matter sociologists study?

(3) What is a theory?  How does a theory differ from a theoretical perspective?

(4) What characteristics distinguish functional from conflict approaches?  Micro from macro approaches?

(5) Briefly describe the six designs sociologists use to carry out research.  What factors might influence which design a researcher chooses?  Identify and explain at least one limitation or drawback to each design.

(6) Explain the importance of using a random sample in survey research.  How might results differ if a sample is selected without randomization?

(7) What did Max Weber mean when he suggested sociological research should be value free?  What are values and how do they affect research results?  Contrast the perspective that sociology should be value free with alternative perspectives.