6 questions, with an answer around 150 words, covering the core concepts and theories in Introductory Sociology, Sociological Theory, and Social Research Methods, suitable for graduation students:

1. Question: Define the sociological imagination, as conceptualized by C. Wright Mills. Explain its significance in understanding the relationship between personal troubles and public issues. Provide a contemporary example illustrating this connection.

Answer: C. Wright Mills defined the sociological imagination as the ability to see the connection between individual biographies and larger social forces or historical contexts. It allows us to move beyond personal experiences to recognize how societal structures shape our lives. Its significance lies in understanding that what we perceive as personal troubles (e.g., unemployment, debt) are often symptoms of wider public issues (e.g., economic recession, predatory lending practices). For instance, the widespread student loan debt crisis isn't just a collection of individual financial struggles but reflects systemic issues in higher education funding and the increasing cost of tuition. The sociological imagination empowers us to analyze and address these broader societal problems rather than solely blaming individuals.

2. Question: Briefly outline the historical development of sociology as a discipline. Discuss two key figures and their major contributions to the early foundations of sociological thought.

Answer: Sociology emerged as a distinct academic discipline in the 19th century, largely in response to the social upheaval brought about by the Industrial Revolution and the Enlightenment. Thinkers sought to understand the changing social order and develop scientific methods for studying society. Two pivotal figures are Émile Durkheim and Karl Marx. Durkheim, emphasizing social facts and social solidarity, established sociology as an empirical science, famously studying suicide rates to demonstrate the influence of social integration. Marx, on the other hand, focused on class conflict and the economic structures shaping society, arguing that history is driven by the struggle between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. Their contrasting yet influential perspectives laid crucial groundwork for subsequent sociological inquiry.

3. Question: Compare and contrast the core tenets of functionalism and conflict theory. How do these two major theoretical perspectives differ in their analysis of social inequality?

Answer: Functionalism views society as a complex system of interconnected parts working together to maintain stability and social 1 order. It emphasizes shared values, consensus, and the functions that various social institutions perform. In contrast, conflict theory sees society as characterized by power struggles and inequalities arising from competition over scarce resources. While functionalism might explain social inequality as serving a purpose (e.g., differential rewards motivating talent), conflict theory critiques it as a result of dominant groups exploiting subordinate ones. Functionalism focuses on social integration, while conflict theory highlights social divisions and the potential for social change driven by these tensions.  

4. Question: Explain the central principles of symbolic interactionism. Using the concept of "the looking-glass self," illustrate how our interactions with others shape our sense of identity.

Answer: Symbolic interactionism is a micro-level sociological perspective that focuses on how individuals create meaning through face-to-face interactions and the use of symbols. It emphasizes that social reality is constructed through shared understandings and interpretations. The "looking-glass self," developed by Charles Horton Cooley, illustrates this process. It suggests that our self-concept is derived from how we perceive others see us. We imagine their judgments of us, and this imagined perception shapes our sense of self. For example, if others consistently treat us as intelligent, we are more likely to internalize that identity, regardless of objective measures. Thus, social interaction is fundamental in shaping who we become.

5. Question: Differentiate between quantitative and qualitative research methods in sociology. Provide one example of a research question that would be best addressed using each approach, briefly explaining why.

Answer: Quantitative research methods focus on numerical data and statistical analysis to identify patterns, test hypotheses, and establish cause-and-effect relationships. Examples include surveys and experiments. A research question best suited for this approach is: "Does the number of social media hours per day correlate with reported levels of depression among young adults?" This requires collecting numerical data on both variables and analyzing their statistical association. Qualitative research methods, conversely, explore in-depth understanding of social phenomena through non-numerical data such as interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic observations. A suitable research question would be: "How do first-generation college students experience navigating the social and academic environment of a university?" This requires rich, detailed narratives and interpretations of individual experiences.

6. Question: Describe the key steps involved in conducting sociological research, from formulating a research question to disseminating findings. Briefly discuss the ethical considerations that researchers must take into account throughout this process.

Answer: The sociological research process typically involves several steps: (1) formulating a clear research question, (2) reviewing existing literature, (3) developing a research design (choosing methods), (4) collecting data, (5) analyzing the data, and (6) disseminating findings through reports or publications. Ethical considerations are paramount at every stage. Researchers must ensure informed consent from participants, protect their privacy and confidentiality, avoid deception, and accurately report findings without bias or plagiarism. They also need to consider potential harm to participants and maintain objectivity. Ethical guidelines aim to safeguard individuals and the integrity of the research process, ensuring responsible and trustworthy sociological inquiry.