Answer to Question 1
d
Answer to Question 2
Sociologists obtain their knowledge of human behavior through research,
which results in a body of information that helps us move beyond guesswork
and common sense in understanding society. The sociological perspective
incorporates theory and research to arrive at a more accurate understanding
of the hows and whys of human social interaction. Once we have an
informed perspective about social issues, we are in a better position to find
solutions and make changes. Since much of sociology deals with everyday
life, we might think that common sense, our own personal experiences, and
the media are the best sources of information. However, our personal
experiences are subjective, and much of the information provided by the
media comes from sources seeking support for a particular point of view. The
content of the media is also influenced by the continual need for audience
ratings. We need to be able to evaluate the information we receive. This is
especially true because the quantity of information available has grown
dramatically as a result of the information explosion brought about by
computers and by the telecommunications industry.