Some sociologists are concerned primarily with the characteristics of social groups and institutions. Others are more interested in the ways individuals are affected by the groups to which they belong. The numerous areas of specialization available to sociologists reflect the interdisciplinary nature of this field. These include social organization, social stratification and mobility, racial and ethnic relations, social psychology, urban sociology, rural sociology, political sociology, industrial sociology, comparative sociology, and sociological practice. Sociological research, like other kinds of social science research, involves collecting information, assessing its validity, and analyzing the results.
Sociologists usually conduct surveys or engage in direct observation to gather data.
For example, after providing for controlled conditions, an organizational sociologist might test the effects of different styles of leadership on individuals in a small work group. A medical sociologist might study the incidence of lung cancer in a area contaminated by industrial pollutants. Sociological researchers also evaluate the efficacy of different kinds of social programs. They might examine and evaluate particular programs of income assistance, job training, or remedial education. Increasingly, sociologists utilize statistical and computer techniques in their research.