Sociologists

Also called : Research Associate, Research Coordinator, Research Scientist, Research Specialist, Social Scientist, Sociologist

What they do

Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

On the job, one would

Analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior.

Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.

Prepare publications and reports containing research findings.

Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.

Teach sociology.

KNOWLEDGE

Sociology and Anthropology
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

SKILLS

Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

ABILITIES

Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

PERSONALITY

People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;

Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.

Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Innovation
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Related Occupations

Anthropologists and Archeologists

Political Scientists

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Survey Researchers

Geographers

Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary

TECHNOLOGY

Accounting software

Analytical or scientific software

Customer relationship management CRM software

Data base user interface and query software

Desktop publishing software

Document management software

Electronic mail software

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

Geographic information system

Graphics or photo imaging software

Information retrieval or search software

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Preparation
Extensive Preparation Needed
Education
Graduate Degree or higher.
Experience
Extensive skills, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations.
Jobtraining
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.