The main focus of sociology is the group rather than the individual. Sociologists attempt to understand the social and cultural forces that operate throughout society and the forces that mold individuals, shape their behavior and thus determine social events. Sociologists attempt to understand the world of human relations. In order to carry out their investigations, sociologists employ methods of gathering data from the social world. Sociological theories accompany methods in enabling us to understand the social world.
Social theories are explanations offered to account for a set of social phenomena.
Together, methods and theory provide the foundation for the science of sociology. Sociologists perform a wide variety of tasks. Most are employed as teachers, researchers, administrators, counselors or policy consultants. One area in which sociologists receive training, is statistical techniques and analysis, which are useful in a wide variety of careers. Many sociologists are engaged in basic research, the acquisition of knowledge for its own sake, while others are involved in applied research that provides directives, suggestions or answers related to a particular problem.