Applied Sociology Flashcards

A sociological practitioner is advising a city council on reducing residential segregation. Which policy mechanism directly addresses structural barriers to housing integration?

Answer: Enforcing inclusionary zoning that mandates affordable units in market-rate developments

Inclusionary zoning is a structural policy tool that requires developers to include affordable housing in new developments, directly counteracting economic segregation mechanisms.

In focus group methodology, a moderator's primary responsibility regarding 'groupthink' is to:

Answer: Actively probe for dissenting views and ensure quieter members contribute

Skilled focus group moderators probe for minority opinions and draw out quieter participants to prevent dominant voices from suppressing valid alternative perspectives.

The 'Thomas Theorem' states that 'if men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences.' How does this principle apply to applied sociology?

Answer: Subjective perceptions shape behavior and must be addressed in interventions alongside objective conditions

The Thomas Theorem implies that people act on their perceptions, so effective interventions must address both objective conditions and how people define their situations.

When conducting research with incarcerated populations, the primary ethical concern beyond standard IRB requirements is:

Answer: Addressing the inherently coercive context that may compromise voluntary consent

Incarcerated individuals exist in a coercive environment where power imbalances and potential incentives can undermine truly voluntary and informed consent.

A practitioner uses Bourdieu's concept of 'social capital' to explain differential outcomes for students. Which scenario best illustrates social capital at work?

Answer: A student's family connections provide access to internship opportunities unavailable through formal channels

Social capital refers to resources accessed through social networks and relationships; informal connections providing exclusive opportunities exemplify this concept.

In mixed-methods research, 'triangulation' serves to:

Answer: Increase validity by cross-checking findings across multiple methods or data sources

Triangulation strengthens validity by comparing results across different methods, data sources, researchers, or theoretical frameworks to identify convergent findings.

A city's suicide prevention initiative employs Durkheim's typology. Which intervention would most directly address 'anomic suicide'?

Answer: Providing economic counseling and social support during periods of rapid social disruption

Anomic suicide results from insufficient regulation during rapid social change; interventions that restore normative guidance and social support during disruption address this type directly.