Sociologist

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A sociologist could...

Overview Listen to this section

Any time there is more than one person in a room, there is potential for a social interaction to occur or for a group to form. Sociologists study these interactions—how and why groups and societies form, and how outside events like health issues, technology, and crime affect both the societies and the individuals. If you already like to think about how people interact as individuals and in groups, then you're thinking like a sociologist!

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Sociologist?

1. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
2. Social Perceptiveness: ? Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
3. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
4. Active Listening: ? Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
5. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.

6. Active Learning: ? Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
7. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
8. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
9. Learning Strategies: ? Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
10. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Sociologist might do:

• Analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior.
• Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.
• Prepare publications and reports containing research findings.
• Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.
• Teach sociology.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews.
• Present research findings at professional meetings.
• Develop approaches to the solution of groups' problems, based on research findings in sociology and related disciplines.
• Direct work of statistical clerks, statisticians, and others who compile and evaluate research data.
• Observe group interactions and role affiliations to collect data, identify problems, evaluate progress, and determine the need for additional change.
• Consult with and advise individuals such as administrators, social workers, and legislators regarding social issues and policies, as well as the implications of research findings.
• Develop problem intervention procedures, using techniques such as interviews, consultations, role playing, and participant observation of group interactions.
• Collaborate with research workers in other disciplines.