sociologist/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — sociologist

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 19-3041.00 (Sociologists).

Task statements

• [Core] Present research findings at professional meetings.
• [Core] Explain sociological research to the general public.
• [Core] Write grants to obtain funding for research projects.
• [Core] Prepare publications and reports containing research findings.
• [Core] Analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior.
• [Core] Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.
• [Core] Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.
• [Core] Develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews.
• [Core] Teach sociology.
• [Core] Direct work of statistical clerks, statisticians, and others who compile and evaluate research data.
• [Core] Consult with and advise individuals such as administrators, social workers, and legislators regarding social issues and policies, as well as the implications of research findings.
• [Core] Collaborate with research workers in other disciplines.
• [Core] Develop approaches to the solution of groups' problems, based on research findings in sociology and related disciplines.
• [Core] Observe group interactions and role affiliations to collect data, identify problems, evaluate progress, and determine the need for additional change.
• [Core] Develop problem intervention procedures, using techniques such as interviews, consultations, role playing, and participant observation of group interactions.

Detailed work activities

• Advise others on matters of public policy.
• Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.
• Conduct research on social issues.
• Coordinate cross-disciplinary research programs.
• Design psychological or educational treatment procedures or programs.
• Develop methods of social or economic research.
• Inform viewers, listeners, or audiences.
• Instruct college students in social sciences or humanities disciplines.
• Interpret research or operational data.
• Plan social sciences research.
• Prepare proposals or grant applications to obtain project funding.
• Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
• Present information to the public.
• Present research results to others.
• Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
• Write grant proposals.