Assignment : Theories of Deviance: Interview Analysis

Not everyone agrees about why some people break rules while others follow them. Now that you have learned some of the main theories of deviance, you are ready to put your sociological perspective in gear and find out what other people's views are on this topic.

The Unit 6 Assignment has two parts. Part 1 is to conduct two brief interviews. Part 2 is to apply the theory of deviance that you think best describes each respondent's views on why deviance occurs and how it could be prevented.

Part 1: Interview two people to learn what they think are the main causes of deviance (not just crime, but all rule breaking) in the U.S. society today. Also, ask respondents for their ideas about the remedy for deviance.

These two questions might be helpful to structure your interview. Remember, this is a brief interview, not an in-depth investigation into your respondents' views.

What are some of the reasons that you think are behind deviance in today's society?

HINT: Be prepared to explain the difference between deviance and crime, but be sure to tell the respondent that you are interested in all rule-breaking, not just criminal acts.

What do you think are some effective ways to prevent people from breaking society's rules?

HINT: Encourage the respondent to think about juvenile and adult deviance as they answer this question.

Part 2: In a 2-3 page paper, summarize and interpret each of your respondents' answers. Use one theory of deviance to help explain each respondent's answers.

For instance, respondent one might have said that kids who hang out with bad kids are bound to turn bad. You might choose differential association theory to help explain this respondent's answers.

No outside resources are required for this Assignment, but to earn full credit you must use in-text citations (in APA format) to the course materials to substantiate the definitions of the theories that you use to explain your respondent's answers.

Be sure that your paper is written in essay form and that it includes these elements:

An introduction that explains the purpose of the interviews, describes who was interviewed (estimated age, relationship to you) and under what conditions (i.e., at work, at home, in public place such as the grocery store, while watching your child's soccer game).

A detailed summary of each interview with generous quotes from the respondent. DO NOT just include the script of the questions asked and responses given.

Two separate paragraphs that apply a theory of deviance to explain each respondent's ideas about the causes of deviance and how it can be prevented.

You may find that the same theory explains both respondents' views, but you will still need to apply the theory to the detailed responses of each respondent in a separate paragraph.

A conclusion that summarizes what you learned from the interview process and briefly explains how your views about rule-breaking and its prevention align with those of your respondents.

SS144 Introduction to Sociology
Unit 6 Assignment

ProfessionalInterview Requirements & Protocol

Requirements:

1. Interviews must be scheduled beforehand
2. Name, day, time, andlocation should be documented
3. Questions should be prepared beforehand
4. Notes must be taken throughout the interview

Protocol (before the interview):

Plan ahead: Start contacting potential interviewees as early as possible. To ensure success, be prepared to reach out to more individuals than you may need.

Be transparent:Tell your interviewees about your research topic and ask if they would be comfortable being interviewed for a class assignment. This is called receiving "informed consent" andonly adults cangive informed consent.

When and where to meet: Once someone agrees to be interviewed, you should choose a convenient, comfortable, accessible, and quiet location where you can preferably both sit.

Prepare your questions beforehand: Prepare and practice questions beforehand by reading them out loud so you can catch anything awkward or confusing.

Friendly reminder: Email or call your intervieweethe day before your interview to ensure the day, time,and location is still convenient.

Professional dress: Dress in clean, neat clothing during an interview.

Be punctual:Be on time to your interview or even a few minutes early you have time to get your questions and other materials ready.

Protocol (during the interview):

Ensure all interviewees comfort: Before beginning your interview, you should let them know that they can choose to skip a question if they do not feel comfortable.

Take notes: Be prepared to take written notes during your interview, so you will remember what your interviewee said.

Be respectful of their opinions: If your interviewee says something that you do not agree with, do not respond negatively. An interview is not a debate, but an opportunity for you to learn from someone else.

Do not lead or interrupt: Allow your interviewee to answer questions by listening well.Do not interrupt your interviewee or lead them to answer in particular ways.