ADAPTIVE READING – Conceptual Frameworks
(understanding facts and ideas in the context of a conceptual framework)
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Above is the conceptual framework you have developed so far in your reading about
sociology. You have used “The Rules of Consolidation,” the “Core Cognitive
Strategies”, the “Internal Dialogue Inquiry” questions, and “mind mapping” to
construct meaning and build the sociology conceptual framework above. The
research on learning states that if you develop a conceptual framework of your
learning as you read, you will be able to learn new related information faster. If this
is true, then you should be able to figure out where new information should fit
within the conceptual framework you have constructed above as you read new
related information. Let’s find out?
Inquiry-Based Inquiry
“Inquiry-based inquiry” is learning or applying material in order to meet a
challenge, such as to answer a question, to conduct an experiment, or to interpret
data. Inquiry implies involvement that leads to understanding. Furthermore,
involvement in learning implies possessing skills and attitudes that permit you to
seek resolutions to questions and issues while you construct new knowledge.
Inquiry Activity: You will be given definitions and sometimes examples of new
concepts that you would find later in a sociology textbook. Your task is to meet the
challenge of deciding and defending where you would put the new information in
the conceptual framework above where you see the question marks (?).
EXAMPLE: “A symbol is anything that carries a particular meaning recognized by
people who share a culture.” Examples are a word, a whistle, a wall of graffiti, a flashing
red light, or a raised fist. (p.61)
Does “symbols” fit under “Ways of thinking”, “Ways of acting”, or “Material
objects?” Keep in mind that there are not “right” answers, but there can be “better”
answers. Since ways of thinking can lead to ways of acting, and ways of acting can lead
to creating material objects, they are all closely related. Your decisions are predictions;
therefore, they do not have to be “right.” However, you do need to support, or justify or
make it reasonable to believe in your decision.
Symbols as an element of culture obviously fits under culture. As we look at the
definition, we need to look for the most meaning in the definition and if we can find,
either in our own prior knowledge or the textbook, examples that help develop meaning
and use them to help make the decision. The most meaning is “anything” that has a
“particular meaning” in a culture. “Particular meaning” relates to “ways of
thinking.”
Note: Think through the activity above before taking the “Inquiry-Based-Inquiry”
challenge below as later class discussions of your decisions require justification.
Directions: Your task is to meet the challenge of deciding and defending where you
would put the new information in the conceptual framework above where you see
the question marks (?). You do need to support, or justify or make it reasonable to
believe in your decision.
NEW INFORMATION
1. Language is one of the “elements of culture.” “Language is a system of symbols
that allows people to communicate.” Humans have created many alphabets to
express the hundreds of languages we speak. (p. 62)
2. Norms are one of the “elements of culture.” “Norms are rules and expectations
by which a society guides the behavior of its members.” Can you think of
examples of norms? (p.67)
3. Here is a challenging one: Values are one of the “elements of culture.” “Values
are culturally defined standards that people use to decide what is desirable, good,
and beautiful and that serve as broad guidelines for social living.” Values are
what people who share a culture use to make choices about how to live. (p. 63)
4. Beliefs are one of the “elements of culture.” “Beliefs are specific ideas that
people hold to be true” (p. 65)
5. “Social interaction is the process by which people act and react in relation to
others.” (p. 98)
6. “A role is behavior expected of someone who holds a particular status.” (p. 99)
A status is a social position that a person holds.” (p.97)
7. “Nonverbal communication” is communication using body movements, gestures,
and facial expressions rather than speech.” (p. 102)
8. “Deviance is the recognized violation of cultural norms.” (p. 108)
9. “Crime is the violation of a society’s formally enacted criminal law.” (p. 108)
10. “Social control are attempts by society to regulate people’s thoughts and
behavior” Often this process is information, as when parents praise or scold
their children or when friends make fun of a classmate’s choice of music. (p.
108)
11. “White-Collar Crime is defined as a crime committed by people of high social
position in the course of their occupations.” Examples are business fraud, and
bribery. (p. 118)
12. “Hate crime is a criminal act against a person or a person’s property by an
offender motivated by racial or other bias.” (p. 121)