Theories & Theoretical Perspectives
If you are just starting out on Sociology, then this post is of importance mainly to you, In this post, I talk about the importance of the appropriate ways that research that has to be done in order to be able to make any theoretical approach. Here, you will learn a key important piece of advice that you may need when thinking sociologically!
In Sociology, we want to ask why things happen meaning we have to construct theories to be able to explain bare facts. A perfect example of this is, for example, we are aware of millions of people using the internet and through social networking engines, they keep in touch with friends and family. This very recent development has its very own set of questions.
-Why did Internet use spread so rapidly?
-Why did social media come about?
-Why do so many people get involved in it?
-Why are younger people more likely to use social media than older people?
-What impact is social media having on earlier forms of social communication?
These questions require us to assemble the evidence through data and engage in Theorizing.
To Theorize = To construct abstract interpretations of events using a series of logically related statements that explain a wide variety of empirical / factual situations.
We can develop valid theoretical explanations if we are able to test them by means of empirical research. (Sociological Theories are not mere speculation. Facts do not speak for themselves, they require a proper interpretation with a set of theoretical assumptions. Once we begin to look for satisfactory interpretations of human behavior we have to become interested in competing theories. Without a theoretical approach, one cannot know what to look for when interpreting result at the end of their research process. Theoretical thinking must also tackle how social life should be studied.
Check out today's quote below! Stay positive!
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