1.03 Sociology's Theoretical Perspectives

• Introduction
• Learn
• Try It
• Task

Introduction

Are you familiar with Newton's Laws of Motion? How about the Theory of Plate Tectonics or Darwin's Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection? These important scientific theories have involved extensive research over time and affect the way we think about the world around us.

Sociology, like all sciences, involves an important connection between theory and research. Sociologists gather data through systematic research and seek to describe and explain what they find using theories. Theories represent attempts to explain why we do the things we do. Initially, theories seem general and vague. However, over time, as sociologists test the theories over and over by using research, the theories are modified and refined into fuller, more accurate accounts of human behavior. In the following lessons, you'll learn what theories are, the major theoretical perspectives of sociology, and how sociologists do research.