Explain how you would use scientific method and steps of the sociological research process to study the following two issues:
Scenario 1: Jessica is a sociologist who studies culture in the workplace at Company Y. She is designing a research study to get a better understanding of differences in productivity between mixed-gender teams and teams whose members are of the same gender.
Scenario 2: There is growing concern over the issue of bullying in the local school district. Julius, who works in the school administration office, has been asked to design a research study to identify if the strict school policies (that some students and parents view as unfair) may be contributing to the increase of bullying.
Sample Answer
Scenario 1: Jessica and Workplace Productivity
Applying the Scientific Method
Ask a Question: The core question is: "Does team gender composition (mixed vs. same-gender) influence productivity at Company Y?"
Research Existing Sources: Jessica would begin by conducting a literature review of existing sociological and organizational behavior studies on team dynamics, gender in the workplace, and productivity. She would look for theories on group cohesion, communication patterns, and conflict resolution in mixed-gender versus same-gender teams.
Formulate a Hypothesis: Based on her research, Jessica might hypothesize that "mixed-gender teams at Company Y are more productive than same-gender teams." A more specific hypothesis might be: "The diverse perspectives and communication styles present in mixed-gender teams lead to more creative problem-solving, thereby increasing productivity."