1. Choose an observation. This should not be any observation we have discussed in the class or that is found in the text. Feel free to be creative. Generally speaking, the more serious and complex the observation, the more difficult you will find this task. On the other hand, it may be more interesting and rewarding for you. You are not graded on the choice of observation, so feel free to choose whatever you wish. You do have to create interesting models, however. Generally speaking, if your models are just a list of different reason for different people or for different situations, then they are not models. The problem doesnt lie with your models, it lies with your observation. Pick a new and different observation.
2. Write a sentence or two describing the observation. For example, Lawyers are more respected than fast-food workers.
3. Imagine three different speculations about why the observation occurs. These are your three models. Make sure they are unique and not just subtle variations on each other. Write a one sentence statement of what your model is. The model should probably not directly mention the observation. To be a good model, it should be a statement about a process, it should have interesting implications, and it should be more general rather than more specific. You will lose points if these conditions are not met. An example of a model is, People respect education.
4. Write a few sentences describing how each model explains the observation. Here is where you explain that lawyers are generally more educated than fast-food workers and that they, therefore, will be more respected. Thus, your assignment will look like this:
Section One: A description of your observation.
Section Two: A sentence stating your first model, and then a couple sentences explaining how it relates to your observation.
Section Three: A sentence stating your second model, and then a couple sentences explaining how it relates to your observation.
Section Four: A sentence stating your third model, and then a couple sentences explaining how it relates to your observation.
Torres 1
Ashley Lucia Torres
Professor Shirey
SOC SCI 3A
21 October 2022
Homework #1
Observation: Lawyers are more respected than fast food workers. [state your observation]
*Optional to elaborate more here.
Model #1: People respect those who have more money. [state your model in the first sentence]
People respect lawyers more because they make more money than fast food workers who work for
minimum wage. [then elaborate on how this explains your observation in 1-2 sentences]
Model #2: People respect those who have more education. [state your model in the first sentence]
People respect lawyers more because they have higher education and specialized credentials from
accredited universities. [then elaborate on how this explains your observation in 1-2 sentences]
Model #3: People respect those who have more authority. [state your model in the first sentence]
People respect lawyers more because they are legal authority figures while fast food workers have no
large authority roles. [then elaborate on how this explains your observation in 1-2 sentences]
