Sociologists

Also called: Clinical Evaluator, Clinical Sociologist, Criminologist, Family Sociologist, Medical Sociologist

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Sociologists 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.

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

Work Context

Electronic Mail — 96% responded "Every day".
Structured versus Unstructured Work — 82% responded "A lot of freedom".
Freedom to Make Decisions — 78% responded "A lot of freedom".
Face-to-Face Discussions — 60% responded "Every day".
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 69% responded "Every day".
Level of Competition — 55% responded "Highly competitive".
Spend Time Sitting — 64% responded "More than half the time".

Work Activities

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

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 Persons Outside 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.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Detailed Work Activities

Present research results to others.
Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
Conduct research on social issues.
Interpret research or operational data.
Conduct research on social issues.
Plan social sciences research.

Sociology and Anthropology

Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Social Perceptiveness

Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

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.

Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.

They do well at jobs that need:

Achievement/Effort

Persistence

Initiative

Leadership

Cooperation

Concern for Others

Social Orientation

Self Control

You might use software like this on the job:

Web page creation and editing software

Social media sites
Facebook
Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver
Web editing software

Spreadsheet software

Microsoft Excel

Office suite software

Microsoft Office

Get started on your career:

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

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Sociologists

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