As a discipline, what is sociology?

Question

As a discipline, what is sociology? How are the methods used by sociologists to collect information different from those of the average person?

Answer 1

Sociology is the study of human behavior.  The difference between sociology and simple people-watching is that there is a scientific outlook all of the social behavior and social change that is observed.

Joe Shmo can walk down the street and notice that Karen's hands are in her pockets, and that is all he can conclude from that observation.

Susi Ology will walk down the street noticing that Karen's hands are in her pockets, and she will know that is because the coolest girl in school, Brittany, is doing it too - right in front of Karen.

Answer 2

How society affects individuals...

I guess you could say...a sociologist looks at the "big picture".