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Module 2 Question 6
Sociologists use different research methods to study the society and social behavior. This paper explores the similarities and the differences between survey and correlational research methods. The best research methods depend on the formulated research questions and hypothesis. The survey research method involves interrogating a large group of peoples to gather information, opinions, attitudes and beliefs about social issues affecting the society. According to Trochim (2001), “Survey research includes the design and implementation of interviews and questionnaires.” This approach deploys a sample population which is believed to represent the whole population. The correlational research method explores the relationship between two variables under research. This method examines the degree of relationship between factors such as attitudes, behaviors or even events.
Both the survey and correlational study methods examine common factors such as behavior, attitude, and opinions of an individual or a group of persons. However, the number of respondents has a greater impact on survey research as compared to correlational research that focuses on relating factors. Correlation research deploys various research methods such as case studies, surveys, interviews and observational research to discover the relationships between two variables. Survey research places emphasis on the similarities, differences, and trends by making predictions on information gathered from the population (Trochim 2001).

This method is subject to generalization since only a small portion is used to represent the entire population. It is, therefore, subject to bias since the chosen sample may fail to consider all groups while choosing the representative sample. Unlike survey research that relies on the results of research, correlational research can be split into positive and negative correlation.
The political arena is open to research, and both the survey and the correlational research methods can be used to gather and analyze information. The survey method can be used to survey funds embezzlement and corruption in the ruling government. Sociologists prepare to administer questionnaires to all respondents. However, researchers should ensure that all age groups between the 18 and 24 age bracket are included in the selected sample to uphold validity. Researchers compose research questions and place a scale of choices in the case of closed-ended questions. The survey research method is best suited for a large number of persons and saves on time since only the representative sample is examined. This research method can give accurate information if they are honest with their responses.
Correlational research can be used to evaluate the relationship between total campaigning spending and the likely number of votes a politician can gather in an election. Politics is an investment that requires one to engage in the mass emancipation of the masses. This requires capital to reach out to all citizens with the aim of specifying the development agenda through manifestos and appealing for their votes. With suitable techniques, a politician is likely to gather more votes if they invest wisely in their campaigns. This is a positive correlation between the change in one variable under study instigates a similar positive change in the other variable. An increase of campaign spending denotes an increase in the voter’s turnout during an election. The correlation coefficients range from -1 which indicates negative correlation and one to showcase positive correlation. The validity of this research method lies in the consistency of experimentation or the technique used to gather data (Trochim 2001). A similar experimentation method is used for individuals with the similar characteristics such as same age group. The bottom line is to examine the validity of the outcomes of a realistic research that focuses on a mutual relationship between two or more research variables.
Module 3 Question 11
Society is defined as a group of individuals who occupy a common domain and whose behaviors are influenced by the existing morality and culture. However, the human societies have gradually evolved and transformed due to technological advancement and civilization. According to Johnson and Earle (2000), “Some societies are of small scale and flexible; others are large and highly structured, and still others fall in between those extremes.” Sociologists have classified human societies into five different categories where each type possesses unique identifying characteristics.
Hunting and gathering societies were the first bunch of human societies that “survived by foraging for vegetable foods and small game, fishing, hunting larger wild animals, and collecting shellfish” This was the root of all societies before civilization, farming and industrialization came into place. The key character trait is the element of a family institution that mandated on how hunting and security were coordinated. However, these families were small with the number of members being less than fifty. They were also nomads who moved from one area to another in search of food and water (Nolan 1999). Consequently, members, this societal generation were mutually dependent on each other. They also practiced division of labor based on gender where men would go for hunting while women gathered edible fruits from the forest. Encroachment of civilization was the culmination of the hunting and gathering society.
The hunting and gathering society switched to pastoralism as their large parcels of land lessened, and conflicts emerged due to the issue of ownership. This human society is believed to begin around 12000 years ago where they relied on the domestication of animals for purposes of transportation and as a source of food (Sanderson 1991). They always move from one area to another in search of greener pastures and water for their animals. Pastoral communities also engage in job specialization where some breed animals as others produce tools and clothing. These communities still exist in some parts of North America since they have large parcels of land which are not arable. Ownership of land is communal, and this permits them to move from one region to another.
The horticultural societies were the first of the developing societies, and they lived in clustered villages of hundreds and leaving the vast land for farming. These societies relied on the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and other plants. However, they were semi-nomads as they were forced to relocate once the land or water resources were steadily depleted. Several families united to form clans where they had leaders who delegated and presided over significant cultural events (Nolan 1999). They are engaged in the division of labor and individuals were assigned duties based on their genders. Horticultural societies had religious and military leaders to preside over religious issues and matters pertained to security.
Agricultural inventions extinguished the horticultural societies and instead welcomed the agricultural societies who used the advanced technologies to cultivate crops and over vast areas of arable land. Sociologists refer the period of agricultural technological advancement as agrarian revolution dating 8000 years ago (Sanderson 1991). The population increased as there was the surplus production of crops such as wheat, barley, rice and corn alongside other animal products. Individuals opted to settle with the intention of developing large scale farming. Cities emerged as the population increased thus necessitating the need to have a place where a multiethnic society would meet for trading. The development of cities brought educators, artisans, religious leaders and merchants together with each taking a given role depending on their specialization. Conflict arose when people settled as neighboring comminutes sought to enlarge their territories. Security measures were beefed up to avoid invasion by enemies.
The industrial revolution led to the development of the industrial societies where fuel driven machines were used to produce and distribute products in bulk. The industrial revolution started in Britain, Europe, before spreading to other parts of the world. The advent of new technology has led to new and advanced farming techniques. Industrial revolution marked the end of slavery as machines replaced human labor in most factories (Nolan 1999). The issue of democracy developed as people demanded their rights and equality. However, social classes were only considered an economic difference between money lenders and laborers.
Postindustrial societies encompass developed nations that have integrated the latest technology of supercomputers, microchips and satellite technology. Technology is crucial in shaping and characterizing a society. Most of these nations are the world’s superpowers who holds the world economy at their hands. They deploy knowledge of the human brain and machine intelligence. They believe that all individuals are in the same social class as they worked for their social freedom. Everyone in these societal classes is working towards solving a social problem. However, sociologists fear the possibility of social class which is defined by academic excellence and expertise.

References
Nolan, P., & Lenski, G. 1999. Human societies.
Sanderson, S. K. 1991. Macrosociology: An introduction to human societies. HarperCollins
Publishers.
Trochim, W. M., & Donnelly, J. P. 2001. Research methods knowledge base.