It has carried out more than 530 field studies, focusing on how people, organizations and society react and respond to catastrophes. Some of the chapters discuss disasters and collective behavior within the framework of specific events. Another discussed the explosion of a ship in Halifax harbor in 1917, applying contemporary theories to archival sources of the past. Another chapter examines the 1977 fire at the Beverly Hills Supper Club in Cincinnati, in which 165 people were killed. The findings of DRC show that, contrary to popular belief, during disaster, social bonds and ties are maintained and do not break down, Tierney and Dynes said.
Disasters tend to pull people together, and there can be a massive volunteer effort.
Although disaster brings suffering, that 'suffering' is more collective and public than predisaster suffering, which is isolating and private. The sociological research into disasters also has implications for public policy and practical applications. By studying warning systems, communication and preparedness by emergency units and relief agencies in the past, lessons can be learned to improve the response when future disasters occur. For example, it was believed by some that giving warning and information about pending disasters, such as floods, can cause panic, but research has shown that is not the case. People respond reasonably when they understand what is happening.