But is it true? Assessing the empirical validity of sociological theory
Course content
Sociology loves theory! Marx, Weber, and Durkheim laid the foundations of sociology with bold ideas about the rise of capitalism, the motives behind suicide, and the structure of social classes—ideas that still shape how we understand the world today. But do these theories hold up when we test them against real-world data? How can we test sociological theory? How do we do it well? And what red flags should we look out for?
This course dives into these questions by exploring the empirical validity of sociological theories. Drawing on quantitative research that uses new data, methods, and designs, we’ll put sociology’s big ideas to the test and learn how to read and evaluate quantitative sociology.
The aim is to take a fresh, critical, and constructive look at sociological theory, and to assess the usefulness of quantitative empirical sociological research – what can it and what can’t it do?
For example:
- Was Weber right that the protestant work ethic leads to economic prosperity? What happens if we use data to measure the impact of the spread of the reformation?
- Is it true that we are “bowling alone” and what is the evidence base for the positive impacts of social capital?
- Can experiments be used to validate theories of social interaction?
The course requires some basic familiarity with sociological theory and quantitative empirical research. Knowledge of advanced quantitative methods is not a requirement. The purpose of the course is not to dwell on the mathematical foundation of regression models. The purpose is to focus on how the intuition of different types of data and designs maps onto answering different questions. This is useful for engaging with and/or criticizing claims made in quantitative research, and equally for assessing data-based claims in all other kinds of settings, e.g., public discourse, by politicians, or by your friend at the pub. We will discuss when things go well (when do quant methods allow us to tell right from wrong?), and when it does not (when do numbers promise more than they can deliver?)
Specialisation line/course package:
Welfare, inequality, and mobility
The course is open to:
- Exchange and Guest students from abroad
- Credit students from Danish Universities
Knowledge:
After completing the course, students will be able to account for the empirical credibility of a selection of classical sociological theories, concepts, and ideas.
Skills:
After completing the course, students will be able to assess the empirical validity of sociological theories. The students will be able to critically evaluate use of quantitative methods, data, and research designs to confirm claims or theories, and evaluate policies.
Competencies:
After completing the course, students will be able to apply their understanding of quantitative approaches to validating claims and theory to evaluate if theories, concepts, claims and ideas are empirically well-founded. The students are expected to be able to apply this competence to critically assess their own or others’ theories in future assignments, and more generally be able to evaluate whether data-based claims made in public debate are empirically supported.
Combination of lectures and in-class discussions, and presentations
Literature will be uploaded to Absalon
A BA in Sociology or equivalent knowledge of sociological “classics” and theory, as well as a basic understanding of quantitative empirical methods used in sociology
As an integrated part of the course, students are expected to engage in discussions with one another about the understanding of sociological theories, empirical designs, and the empirical validity of theoretical claims. In-class discussions and peer feedback on classroom presentations are integral to strengthening students' critical thinking skills and developing their ability to structure convincing arguments.
When registered you will be signed up for exam.
- Full-degree students – sign up at Selfservice on KUnet
- Exchange and guest students from abroad – sign up through Mobility Online and Selfservice- read more through this website.
- Credit students from Danish universities - sign up through this website.
The dates for the exams are found here Exams – Faculty of Social Sciences - University of Copenhagen (ku.dk)
Please note that it is your own responsibility to check for overlapping exam date.
- ECTS
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
-
Home assignment
- Type of assessment details
- The students are required to formulate their own exam questions
based on pre-defined guidelines provided by the teacher. Students
will receive the exam guidelines for formulating exam questions
during the ongoing semester. The teacher is required to provide at
least two exemplary exam questions that adhere to the guidelines.
The exam can be written individually or in groups of max. 4 students.
Length of the exam is 10 pages + 5 pages pr. extra group member." - Examination prerequisites
-
To get qualified to the exam, the students must have completed a classroom presentation.
- Aid
- All aids allowed
The Department of Sociology prohibits the use of generative AI software and large language models (AI/LLMs), such as ChatGPT, for generating novel and creative content in written exams. However, students may use AI/LLMs to enhance the presentation of their own original work, such as text editing, argument validation, or improving statistical programming code. Students must disclose in an appendix if and how AI/LLMs were used; this appendix will not count toward the page limit of the exam. This policy is in place to ensure that students’ written exams accurately reflect their own knowledge and understanding of the material. All students are required to include an AI declaration in their exam submissions regardless of whether they have used generative AI software or not. This declaration should be placed as the last page of the exam submission. Please note that the AI statement is not included in the calculation of the overall length of your assignment. The template for the AI statement can be found in the Digital Exam system and on the Study Pages on KUnet under “Written exam”. Exams that do not declare if and how AI/LLMs were used will be administratively rejected and counted as one exam attempt.
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
- Exam period
-
Exam information:
The examination date can be found in the exam schedule here
The exact time and place will be available in Digital Exam from the middle of the semester.
- Re-exam
-
Reexam info:
The reexamination date/period can be found in the reexam schedule here
Same as the ordinary exam.
Criteria for exam assessment
See learning outcome.
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 42
- Preparation
- 162
- English
- 204
Kursusinformation
- Language
- English
- Course number
- ASOA22214U
- ECTS
- 7,5 ECTS
- Programme level
- Full Degree Master
Bachelor
- Duration
-
1 semester
- Placement
- Spring
- Studyboard
- Department of Sociology, Study Council
Contracting department
- Department of Sociology
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Social Sciences
Course Coordinator
- Ea Hoppe Blaabæk (3-6c6973477a766a35727c356b72)
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Kursusinformation for indskrevne studerende