Sociology merges two important academic objectives: research and theory. The social world can be studied and can be analyzed. To make sense of the social world, sociologists employ scientific research methods to ascertain data, which can then be used to make generalizations. Read the following section from the textbook: p. 41-52, then link to the following website: http://www.gapminder.org (Links to an external site.)

In particular, check out these links within the site: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=Gapcast#p/u/27/6cl1hp0b6Aw (Links to an external site.)

http://www.gapminder.org/world/#;example=75 (Links to an external site.)

After you have read and checked out the website, respond to the following discussion questions:

1. Using the reading material, describe the method employed in the website.
2. What are the important findings that the videos provide about public services and human development trends?
3. Why is research about social issues important? In other words, in what ways is research useful?
4. What did you like or dislike about the presentation of data? Why is presentation of data important?

Directions: You must submit ONE primary post for this discussion topic (minimum 300 to 500 words)

Part 2

What is society?

• How does society work?