Understanding the Research Process/Sense and Nonsense About Surveys.

                                                                                                                          Merida Angelina~



      Social Science is very prevalent within our society today, globally as a whole as well. Sociologist study demographics; gathering throughly researched through empirical evidence (evidence that can be observed or documented using the human senses). In fact research is critical in upholding any facts or findings on the social matter/matters at large. The Sense and Nonsense about Surveys is a good example, exploring the various methods applied in research.

      Howard Schuman addresses in " Sense and Nonsense about Surveys" the levels of inconsistencies of sampling with a lack of accurate findings due to subpar language wether it be written or verbal. Thus leading to a weak based consensus in fact finding. Experiments have shown that even racial attitudes have a major effect on surveys, for instance White respondents are more supportive of inter-racial marriages when speaking to a black than a white interviewer (micro -level analysis). Contrary to that particular dynamic it is also stated this perspective has also changed within a twenty-four year time frame. However in situations as such I feel "Symbolic Interactionist Theories have and will always play a part in the sort,sorts.  Howard Schuman illustrates a clearer understanding how people gain a better perspective on reportage, etc; to be critical in their thinking, To think outside the box not demonstrate "Unquestioned trust in authorities (as stated in Chapter 2).

     In conclusion Social Science Researchers are scientist that identify patterns in humans thoughts and actions, and gathering empirical evidence (Quantitative data) to support their findings, also known as (Transparency Of Methods) presenting gathered data, to perform an assessment using social theory depending what type meso- level of analysis (very large or small) with a Objective reality or in some cases it may be a subjective reality of fact finding based on truth; should more evidence present itself, social science is open to what is factual ( The Roles of Theory)

Research process: Experience Sociology Pg. 47

1. Choose and explore a general topic
2. Identify a specific research question
3. Design the research study
4. Consider ethical dimensions of the research
5. Collect and analyze data
6. Report the results



                                 UNDERSTANDING THE RESEARCH PROCESS.


                                                                                                  Merida Angelina~

Quiet Rage " The Stanford PrisonStudy/ Experiment".

                                                                                                                                     


       A study was done in the summer of 1971 called "The Stanford Prison Study/Experiment which consisted of psychology  students, researchers, prison experts and other participants that came about from answering a newspaper ad in regard to the experiment. The overall goal of this study held by Professor Philip Zimbardo, was to see what behavioral and psychological consequences "effects" of becoming a prisoner or guards. The experiment was to last for two-weeks, however it lasted for six days.

      During the duration of this experiment, the Twenty-four students were in the basement at Stanford University which was converted as close a possible to mimic a actual prison setting where the prisoners adjusted to their roles and the guards theirs. Prisoners were dominating the guards for starters, however this mad the guards livid, the guards felt provoked and wanted to gain power, however it was stated earlier on "no physical force was to be used" The angered guards became emotionally abusive taking the prisoners rights away, prisoners were waken out of their sleep in volatile manner, guards took counts of all the prisoners calling them by their inmate numbers (not their name).

     Prisoners took action against the guards by acting out, putting their beds against the door, calling out loud rants with profanity, it became total chaos. The prisoners were becoming unruly in their manner, this igniting the guards fury, feeling humiliated by the prisoners the guards raised  their bar in disciplinary actions. Implementing strip searches, push-ups, they had to have their urine and feces in their prison cells. Prisoners were being psychologically abused, mentally abused. The guards were using tactic such as Classical Conditioning, and extreme power to divide and conquer and dictate the prisoners, verbally abusing using obscenities. Prisoner 416 was put into a hole twice for not eating his sausages that were dirty and cold  further turning all others against him.  Prior to that their families were invited to visit, not at one time while their family was visting did they have to experience any of the sort that their loved ones were being exposed to, they were told by their loved ones (the prisoners) that is was the worse experience they ever had, and they still played their position within this study (for their loved)as well. The priest came on board of this experiment and offered legal advice instead of spiritual guidance. Had this gone to far? It was not a graduate student came on the scene to and was exposed to what was going on, and she seen it was way out of control, not only was the experiment, but the one conducting the it Philip Zimbardo had become a product of his environment, he was calloused to it all, with seeing his participants literally have breakdowns. At last the graduate student was able to add light to this dark experiment, and what was to last for two-weeks came end at six-weeks.

      In conclusion I do understand from a social perspective Philip Zimbardo wanting to host this experiment to get a "Subjective Reality" as oppose to an "Objective Reality" however, from a Structural Functionalist Theory, this experiment was dysfunctional , & I can clearly understand what Dr. Applewhite means when he stated power is closely tied to inequality.


                                                                                                   Merida Angelina~

Introduction to Sociology

                                                                                                                                       

      Greetings,
      Somewhere over the rainbow has always been one of my favorite sayings, not only because my      favorite singer "Barbra Streisand" sings it so well and eloquently with sheer intensity to move an entire crowd of fans; that is how I view my life with all its complexities, perplexities, adversities, yet still fulfilling at the same time.

      I'm the middle child aslo known as the wild child to my siblings. I wouldn't I say I was wild, let's just say I was more daring with more edge, with much zest for life itself. Growing up baseball, football, basketball, anything sports related never ceased to pique my intrest. I have always been an "adrenaline junkie", However my undying passion has always been dance. Life without dance for me a like a plug without a socket. In such an upbeat society especially growing up and living in the concrete jungle, there was/is always something going on. Being that I'm a very active, I love socializing, helping others, managing a home, work, family, maintaining friendships etc.. I had to maintain a balance for myself, and dance is what has and still to this day balances me. When it comes to dance, I'm completely soloist. Dance has been my way of escaping it all. Wether it be pain that I could not articulate verbally I expressed it with my body entirely/whole heartedly. Dance has played a major influential theme within my life.

     Ten years ago I was in a very bad car accident in which I was paralyzed for a few days, internal bleeding, numerous fractures, had an ACL surgery, back injuries, the list goes on. However I lost someone very dear in that accident; apart for all my injuries I had a broken heart, a broken spirit. I went into a brief depression knowing that my life as I knew it changed over night. Due to my injuries, especially my ACL surgery my life as a dancer was stunted. My aching heart was quivering with such grief. I decided to take control of my life the best way possible. I always had a strong belief in God, however I decided to build a relationship with my higher power. I've come to realize that no matter what I have been through, I made it through, not just by my own understanding but through the grace of God. Having realizing this invigorating super natural, I began to rise incorporating daily scripture within my life ;also talking to people of all sorts of religions and spiritual beliefs. These people have also been very influential within my life, their humbleness and meekness I appreciate, because I'm always striving to be a better person than I was yesterday, Not just for myself but for humanity. Having a rich heart and soul cannot go to waste, that has always been my mantra.
After experiencing such adversity and restoring myself to a level of contentment, I have decided to return to school to become a registered nurse with an aspiration to obtain my masters degree in CRNA
(certified registered nurse anesthesiologist) with hopes of opening my own dance studio for children in the near future.

       My life is a roller-coaster; all the intricate details, loss, suffering, even smiles and joys along the way make me who I'am today and who I'm to be in the future. All of my trails and tribulations has all added to my bank of fortitude ( Bruce Lee). In conclusion I know everything I have experienced and will experience is all but a stepping stone for me to be where I need to be. "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" Hey I'm not there yet.. The pot of gold awaits over that rainbow; as the saying goes "There are no rainbows without the rain".

                                                                                                                Merida Angelina