Day 152 MCAT Practice Question

There are a variety of theoretical approaches to sociology commonly

tested on the MCAT, including the four listed above: microsociology, functionalism,

conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism.

Answer A is correct because this professor’s method of investigating social

phenomena demonstrates an adherence to microsociology. Unlike macrosociology,

which focuses on the large-scale and widespread phenomenon that occur across

entire societies, countries, or even the world, microsociology instead focuses on

smaller-scale interactions between individuals, families, and communities. For

example, macrosociology might be concerned about the concept of demographic

change across an entire population, whereas microsociology may choose to focus

on the nuances of interactions between families of a particular ethnic group at the

dinner table. The decision to focus on individual interactions between neighbors

demonstrates a microsociological approach.