Student attitudes toward introductory sociology : a comparison of different student subcultures

Abstract

This thesis investigated relationships between undergraduate students' general attitudes toward university education and specific attitudes toward introductory sociology. A sample of 238 students enrolled in introductory sociology returned a questionnaire regarding attitudes toward introductory sociology as a course and sociology as a discipline. Using self-identifying questions, students were divided into five subcultural groups based on attitudes toward general university education. The subcultures were then compared to determine differences in attitudes toward introductory sociology as well as the discipline of sociology.The primary results indicated that there were no significant differences between the different student subcultures in attitudes toward introductory sociology or sociology as a discipline and that students have a favorable attitude toward introductory sociology and sociology as a discipline although they show some dissatisfaction toward the teaching methodology used by sociologists. It was concluded that teaching methods need to be improved to minimize student dissatisfaction with introductory sociology.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306