Building Sociological Explanations Flashcards

1️⃣ Familiarise yourself with the flashcards:

  • Look through all the flashcards to see what's on both sides.
  • Make sure you understand the information on each card. If something's unclear, click the link to the revision notes at the bottom of the page for more details.

2️⃣ Test yourself:

  • Look at the question or prompt on each card and try to remember the answer before flipping it over.
  • Check the answer and make a note of any cards you find challenging and need to go over more.

3️⃣ Consistently Review and Practice:

  • Use spaced repetition: spend more time on the cards you struggle with and go over them more often.
  • Regularly review all the flashcards to help you better understand and retain the information over time.

Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

PERSONALISED 1-TO-1 TUTORING

Need more help on this topic? Get 1-to-1 support

Get support with clear explanations, practice and feedback (Ages 5 to 16).

  • DBS-checked tutors
  • Flexible times
  • Parents can be updated

Want an ad-free experience? Subscribe to remove ads

What is a sociological explanation?

A reason that uses social factors to explain patterns in behaviour, not just personal choices.

What are the main steps to build a sociological explanation?

Spot a pattern, ask a clear question, use key concepts, gather evidence, and link causes to effects.

What counts as evidence for a sociological explanation?

Data from studies, such as surveys, interviews, and official statistics.

What is a sociological theory?

A set of linked ideas used to explain why social patterns happen.

What is a sociological concept?

A key idea, such as a norm or a role, used to help explain behaviour.

What is a social factor?

A feature of society, like class, gender, ethnicity, age, or culture, that can affect behaviour.

What is correlation?

When two things change together, for example both rise or both fall.

Does correlation prove causation?

No. Two things can be linked without one causing the other.

What is causation?

When one factor helps to bring about a change in another factor.

What is an alternative explanation?

A different possible cause for the same pattern that also fits the evidence.

What does it mean to evaluate an explanation?

To judge how strong it is by checking the evidence, logic, and other possible causes.

What is bias in sociological explanations?

When personal views shape the explanation. Sociologists try to be fair and objective.