Studies that use the symbolic interactionist perspective are more likely to use qualitative research methods, such as in-depth interviews or participant observation, because they seek to understand the symbolic worlds in which research subjects live.

Studying sociology helps people analyze data because they learn: interview techniques. to apply statistics. to generate theories.

When sociologists do quantitative research, they generally use either surveys or precollected data.

Symbolic interaction theory analyzes society by addressing the subjective meanings that people impose on objects, events, and behaviors. Thus, society is thought to be socially constructed through human interpretation. People interpret one another’s behavior, and it is these interpretations that form the social bond.

The symbolic interactionist perspective focuses on social interaction in the classroom, on school playgrounds, and at other school-related venues. Social interaction contributes to gender-role socialization, and teachers’ expectations may affect their students’ performance.

Labeling could have either negative or positive consequences; but typically labeling theory is associated with negative consequences, and usually revolves around deviance. This process of labeling can have an “effect on a person’s social identity” that they will carry with them for a lifetime” (Inderbitzen 331).

Critics of labeling theory argue that it ignores factors—such as differences in socialization, attitudes, and opportunities—that lead to deviant acts. In all likelihood, both labeling and increased contact with the criminal population contribute to recidivism.

Interactionism is micro-sociological perspective that argues meaning to be produced through the interactions of individuals. The social interaction is a face-to-face process consisting of actions, reactions, and mutual adaptation between two or more individuals, with the goal of communicating with others.

Self-conceptions and self-feelings (e.g., pride or shame) are a consequence of how people imagine others perceive and evaluate them. Within contemporary symbolic interactionism, this process is called reflected appraisals and is the main process emphasized in the development of the self.