Rules Of Sociological Method by Emile Durkheim
  • 1. The 'Rules of Sociological Method' by Emile Durkheim, published in 1895, is a foundational text in the field of sociology that articulates the principles and methodologies necessary for conducting sociological research. Durkheim emphasizes the importance of treating social phenomena as 'things' that can be studied scientifically, distinct from individual actions or psychological explanations. He introduces key concepts such as social facts, which are the norms, values, and structures that exist outside of the individual yet exert influence over their behavior. Durkheim advocates for a systematic approach to sociology, wherein researchers must rely on empirical data and apply rigorous methods to observe and analyze social facts. In this work, he also differentiates sociology from other social sciences, insisting that sociologists must focus on collective behaviors and societal functions rather than individual behaviors alone. Through this text, Durkheim lays the groundwork for sociology as a distinct and credible academic discipline, calling for a scientific rigor that would allow sociologists to uncover the underlying laws of social life, thus fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of human society.

    Durkheim emphasizes the importance of studying social facts as what?
A) Structures
B) Things
C) Values
D) Ideas
  • 2. Durkheim's view on social facts is that they are:
A) External and constraining
B) Internal and fluid
C) Unchanging
D) Only subjective
  • 3. In Durkheim's methodology, correlation between social facts indicates:
A) Repulsion
B) Indifference
C) Possibility
D) Causation
  • 4. What did Durkheim argue is essential to the study of suicide?
A) Religious beliefs
B) Economic status
C) Social integration
D) Family connections
  • 5. What does Durkheim classify as an example of social fact?
A) Laws
B) Emotional experiences
C) Physical traits
D) Personal opinions
  • 6. Durkheim's 'Rules of Sociological Method' primarily aims to set a groundwork for:
A) Scientific sociology
B) Historical sociology
C) Artistic sociology
D) Philosophical sociology
  • 7. What does Durkheim argue soothes societal tensions?
A) Political legislation
B) Social norms
C) Technological advancements
D) Economic growth
  • 8. Durkheim believed that sociology could be established as a discipline similar to which field?
A) Mathematics
B) Psychology
C) History
D) Biology
  • 9. According to Durkheim, what creates social order?
A) Market forces
B) Government laws
C) Individual desires
D) Collective consciousness
  • 10. Durkheim categorizes suicide into how many types?
A) Four types
B) Two types
C) Three types
D) Five types
  • 11. Which methodology does Durkheim advocate for studying social phenomena?
A) Symbolic interactionism
B) Comparative analysis
C) Ethnomethodology
D) Phenomenological analysis
  • 12. Durkheim believes that social facts can exert what kind of influence?
A) Voluntary influence
B) Coercive influence
C) Random influence
D) Global influence
  • 13. Which element is central to understanding the causes of suicide according to Durkheim?
A) Economic hardship
B) Mental illness
C) Integration
D) Crime rates
  • 14. Which type of social solidarity does Durkheim associate with pre-industrial societies?
A) Organic solidarity
B) Transitory solidarity
C) Hierarchical solidarity
D) Mechanical solidarity
  • 15. What type of society does Durkheim associate with organic solidarity?
A) Complex, modern societies
B) Feudal societies
C) Simple, tribal societies
D) Nomadic societies
  • 16. What method does Durkheim suggest sociologists use to study social facts?
A) Empirical observation
B) Theoretical speculation
C) Introspection
D) Narrative analysis
  • 17. What is the focus of the rules laid down in Durkheim's work?
A) To critique existing social theories
B) To provide ethical guidelines
C) To categorize types of societies
D) To establish a distinct scientific method
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