SOC 1 (Hirose) - Principles of Sociology: Home

For the final research paper, demonstrate comprehension of relevant sociological concepts and theoretical ideas and then apply them to a sociological example.

• Select a theory or concept and explain it in detail.
• Discuss the key question for the theory or concept and use it to develop your thesis further.
• Find empirical data to answer the key question pertaining to your theory or concept.  

Examples of empirical data:

• quantitative data (e.g., US Census data, CDC reports)
• research findings (e.g, academic journal articles)
• social trend reports (e.g., Pew Research)
• ethnographic observations
• historical events

Sources: 4 sources to be cited in APA style. 

• 2 scholarly supports for analysis and discussion (not from required reading list) that may be scholarly journal articles and academic books. These sources may be used to:
  • support your discussion of the theory or concept of your choice, or
  • support your argument

Theories/Concepts:

1. Durkheim’s theory of suicide (i.e., Suicide rates can be explained by other social facts.)
2. Weber’s theory of social action (i.e., We behave more and more rationally.)
3. Marx’s theory of class struggle (i.e., Capitalists exploit workers.)
4. Functionalist and conflict views of social stratification and social inequality 
5. Weber’s theory of domination (i.e., Power is authorized for effective usage.)

• Read and understand your research assignment
• Think about what you already know; review lecture notes and course textbook
• Do some preliminary research to get a sense of what resources are available for possible topics
• Get more background information using reference books
• Use books for detailed in-depth analysis and history of issue
• Use magazine and journal articles for current reporting of issue
• Use the Internet for additional information (don't forget to evaluate your sources!)
• Cite your sources (create a reference list or works cited page)