Increasingly, other important areas of study are emerging such as demography and criminology that can hold their own as independent specialisms. Sociologists also evaluate the quality of different kinds of social programmes for example job training and remedial education. They use statistical and computer techniques in their research. The results of their research findings help educators, lawmakers, administrators and others involved in overcoming social problems and formulating public policy. Sociologists often relate closely with community groups and other professionals, to name a few, psychologists, physicians, economists, statisticians, urban and regional planners, political scientists, anthropologists and social workers.
Some sociologists are basically administrators.
They utilise their expertise in areas as diverse as intergroup relations, family counselling, public opinion analysis, law enforcement, personnel administration, public relations, regional and community planning. Sociologists are also employed as consultants. Using their professional knowledge and research skills they advise on problems such as market research for advertisers and manufacturers, counselling ex-offenders and foster care for the mentally deranged. Increasingly, sociologists are involved in the evaluation of social and welfare programmes. Sociologists are university teachers too.