Sociologists

19-3041.00

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.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Present research findings at professional meetings.
• Analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior.
• Prepare publications and reports containing research findings.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews.
• Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.
• Teach sociology.
• Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.
• Explain sociological research to the general public.
• Develop problem intervention procedures, using techniques such as interviews, consultations, role playing, and participant observation of group interactions.
• Consult with and advise individuals such as administrators, social workers, and legislators regarding social issues and policies, as well as the implications of research findings.
• Direct work of statistical clerks, statisticians, and others who compile and evaluate research data.
• Collaborate with research workers in other disciplines.
• Write grants to obtain funding for research projects.
• Develop approaches to the solution of groups' problems, based on research findings in sociology and related disciplines.
• Observe group interactions and role affiliations to collect data, identify problems, evaluate progress, and determine the need for additional change.

Technology Skills

• Accounting software - Fund accounting software
• Analytical or scientific software - ATLAS.ti; Circle Systems Stat/Transfer; Data visualization software; IBM SPSS Statistics 🔥; Muthen & Muthen Mplus; SAS 🔥; Scientific Software International HLM; Scientific Software International LISREL; StataCorp Stata; VERBI MAXQDA
• Customer relationship management CRM software - Customer relationship management CRM software; Salesforce software 🔥
• Data base user interface and query software - Microsoft Access 🔥; QSR International NVivo; Qualtrics Research Suite; Thomson Reuters EndNote
• Desktop publishing software - Microsoft Publisher
• Document management software - Adobe Acrobat 🔥
• Electronic mail software - Email software; Microsoft Outlook
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - SAP software 🔥
• Geographic information system - ESRI ArcGIS software 🔥
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Adobe Photoshop 🔥
• Information retrieval or search software - Online reference databases
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Object or component oriented development software - R 🔥
• Object oriented data base management software - Database management system DBMS
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software - Microsoft Windows 🔥
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint
• Process mapping and design software - Microsoft Visio 🔥
• Project management software - Microsoft Project 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Web page creation and editing software - Adobe Dreamweaver; Facebook 🔥; Social media sites; Web editing software
• Word processing software - Helios TextPad; Microsoft Word

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Present research results to others.
• Conduct research on social issues.
• Interpret research or operational data.
• Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
• Develop methods of social or economic research.
• Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.
• Instruct college students in social sciences or humanities disciplines.
• Plan social sciences research.
• Present information to the public.
• Inform viewers, listeners, or audiences.
• Design psychological or educational treatment procedures or programs.
• Advise others on matters of public policy.
• Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
• Coordinate cross-disciplinary research programs.
• Write grant proposals.
• Prepare proposals or grant applications to obtain project funding.