Kristine Mae M.

Landicho
BEEd-IV

CHAPTER 1
1. What is a social problem? When does it exist?
A social problem is a condition that at least some people in a community view as being
undesirable. Everyone would agree about some social problems, such as murders and DWI
traffic deaths. Other social problems may be viewed as such by certain groups of people.
Teenagers who play loud music in a public park obviously do not view it as a problem, but some
other people may consider it an undesirable social condition. Some nonsmokers view smoking
as an undesirable social condition that should be banned or restricted in public buildings.
A social problem exist when a significant number of people perceive an undesirable
difference between social ideals and social realities, and believe that this difference can be
eliminated by collective action.
2. What does the sociologist use in analyzing social problem?
In the analysis of social problems, both theory and research are indispensable. Theories
about the origins, consequences and solutions to social problems are of little use without facts.
3. Give the relationship between theory and research.
Relationship between Theory and Research. Theory and research complement each
other. Selltiz et. al. (1959) express the view that theory can point to areas in which research is
likely to be fruitful, and can provide a basis for explanation and prediction. Research findings, on
the other hand, can test theories which have been worked out, can clarify theoretical concepts,
and can suggest new theoretical formulation or extend old ones. To conduct research without
theoretical interpretation or to theorize without research is to ignore the essential function of
theory as a tool for achieving economy of thought.
4. Discuss the case study method of research.
A case study, sometimes called the case-history technique, involves a comprehensive
and intensive examination of a particular individual, group. or situation over a period of time. In
making case studies, the researcher, often as a participant-observer, observes actions and facts
and maintains careful records of significant events and observation.
5. What is the basic technique of the experimental method?
A basic technique of the experimental method is to have two groups of subjects, one of
which, the experimental group, is subjected to the experiment, while the other group, the
control group, is not subjected to experiment but is otherwise similar to the experimental group
in all significant respects. Thus, we might show a film on Family Planning to the experimental
group but not to the control group and then give both groups a questionnaire to establish their
family planning attitudes. If the attitude of the group that has seen the film differ significantly
from the attitudes of the group that has not seen the film, we are then justified in concluding that
the film was responsible for the change of attitude.
6. In what way can social problem workers alleviate or solve social problem?
Social work is a field of study and practice that attempts to alleviate or social problems. It
shares its area with medicine, psychiatry, public health, public administration and a number of
others which are not very clearly distinguishable efforts at social amelioration.