Introduction to Sociology / Week1 / Hayoung Lee

1. Summary

 Sociology is a study of human behavior, interaction and social organization with various social science methods. And the scope of research is being widened by cultural changes that occur over time. The cultural changes are assessed differently from a point of view, but regardless of this, sociology is based on that changes. Because of this variability, when completing sociology, there are limitations to approaching the social phenomenon with common sense only. So sociologists should use methodical methods. In order to do so, sociologists do empirical research to support the theory, not just present it. And the examples of that empirical study are qualitative and quantitative studies, both of which differ only in terms of the focus and manner of research, which enable a deeper understanding of society. 

2. What was interesting/what did you learn

 I learned about the specific definition and progress of sociology. What's interesting is that idea that sociologist were going to study of the social things in an empirical way. In early sociological studies, studies of sociology and natural sciences were conducted with the expectation that they would be based on the same principles. Of course, social science and natural science are not the same at all, so the research failed, but the attempt to digitize and study things like human behavior and social phenomena are interesting.

3. Discussion Point

 As times have changed, social studies have diversified and the scope of research has expanded. So, what additional research methods do we need for the upcoming future society? Will there be enough future research with existing social studies?