Sociologists
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics > Science and MathematicsProjected Growth: Faster than average
Projected Job Openings
Extensive Preparation Needed
Job Description
Your job is to 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.
Common job titles of Sociologists include:
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Experience and Education
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
77.27% said they needed a Doctoral Degree.
22.73% said they needed a Master's Degree.
Tasks
Teach sociology.
Analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior.
Observe group interactions and role affiliations to collect data, identify problems, evaluate progress, and determine the need for additional change.
Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.
Present research findings at professional meetings.
Collaborate with research workers in other disciplines.
Direct work of statistical clerks, statisticians, and others who compile and evaluate research data.
Develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews.
Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.
Prepare publications and reports containing research findings.
Develop problem intervention procedures, using techniques such as interviews, consultations, role playing, and participant observation of group interactions.
Develop approaches to the solution of groups' problems, based on research findings in sociology and related disciplines.
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.
Tools
Videoconferencing equipment
Tablet computers
Personal computers
Digital video recorders
Digital audio recorders
Desktop computers
Computer laser printers
All ToolsComputer data input scanners
Technologies
Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
Data entry software
ESRI ArcGIS software
IBM SPSS Statistics
Microsoft Windows
All TechnologiesR
Salesforce software
SAS
Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver
ATLAS.ti
Circle Systems Stat/Transfer
Customer relationship management CRM software
Data visualization software
Database management system DBMS
Email software
Fund accounting software
Helios TextPad
Microsoft Publisher
Muthen & Muthen MPlus
Online reference databases
QSR International NVivo
Qualtrics Research Suite
Scientific Software International HLM
Scientific Software International LISREL
Social media sites
StataCorp Stata
Thomson Reuters EndNote
VERBI MAXQDA
Web browser software
Web editing software
Skills
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Instructing
Teaching others how to do something.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Persuasion
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Systems Analysis
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Service Orientation
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Abilities
Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Cognitive Abilities › Verbal Abilities › Written Comprehension
Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Cognitive Abilities › Verbal Abilities › Oral Expression
Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Cognitive Abilities › Verbal Abilities › Oral Comprehension
Communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Cognitive Abilities › Verbal Abilities › Written Expression
Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Cognitive Abilities › Idea Generation and Reasoning Abilities › Deductive Reasoning
Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Cognitive Abilities › Idea Generation and Reasoning Abilities › Inductive Reasoning
Speak clearly so others can understand you.
Auditory and Speech Abilities › Sensory Abilities › Speech Clarity