Answer to Question 1
The primary difference between sociologists and economists is that economists tend to rely on simplifying human behavior into crisp mathematical models, whereas sociologists prefer to search for answers to research questions across a broad range of phenomena. The mathematical models developed by economists are very clear and test simple assumptions regarding human behavior. They often narrow their field of inquiry by assuming, for instance, that humans act rationally to maximize their economic self-interest. By making these assumptions, economists are able to develop models that they feel are accurate predictors of highly complex behavior. In contrast, sociologists use models that take into consideration many aspects of human behavior. For this reason, their mathematical models, when they use them, tend to be more complex and engage a greater variety of factors.
Answer to Question 2
c
