AIR 507 · CSE 2025 · Sociology I · 85 pages

Agnes Meritta Steffy: Sociology I answer copy

29 answers by Agnes Meritta Steffy, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 110 words written

Write short answers to the following questions in about 150 words each, with a sociological perspective: (10 x 5 = 50) (a) What are variables? Illustrate some variables which Merton used in his analysis of deviance.

Opening · a definition

Variables are parameters defined in a research method, the study of which helps to determine the outcome of research.

Body · points

Dependent variables

Values change with respect to other variables eg., suicide rate in Durkheim's theory

Independent variables

Values do not impact the other outcomes but influence dependent variable eg., marital status in Durkheim's theory.

Other types include discrete variables, continuous variables.

Variables used by Merton in deviance

Deviance refers to non-conformity to expected standards.

  1. Culturally defined goals - success in exams, employment

  2. Structurally available means - equality or inequality of opportunity

Close

Merton studied how means and goals vary with respect to conformity and deviance as variables.