SOC 2109 Lecture 4: Lecture 4

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Sociology
• Course: SOC 2109
• Professor: Sam Alvaro

Document Summary

Lecture 4: theories of the small and large. Theories: a sort of interrelated propositions that organizes and explain observed phenomenon: goes beyond mere observable fact by postulating casual relations among variables. If a theory is valid, it enables its users to explain the phenomenon under consideration and make predictions about events not yet observed. Why is theory important: explanations can be described as the stories we tell each other in attempts to produce some order in our lives, explanations outline paths that lead to particular outcomes. They allow us to feel that we know why something happened, and whether, or not under certain conditions, it is likely to occur again. Frameworks that identify conditions that produce specific social behaviour. Formulated in terms of cause and effect: explanation of processes by which persuasion produces attitude change, specifying the conditions under which contact between members of different racial groups change or eliminate stereotypes.