Occupation AtlasSociologists
O*NET · 19-3041.00
Sociologists
Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.
Also called Clinical Evaluator · Clinical Sociologist · Criminologist · Demographer · Evaluation Specialist · Family Sociologist · Medical Sociologist · Penologist
13 more
Policy Advisor · Policy Analyst · Policy Officer · Program Evaluator · Research Associate · Research Coordinator · Research Scientist · Research Specialist · Rural Sociologist · Social Scientist · Social Welfare Research Worker · Sociologist · Urban Sociologist
Compare with another occupationCompare with Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
ISAInvestigative · Social · Artistic — the three strongest interests, in order
- I Investigative6.50
- S Social4.36
- A Artistic3.99
- C Conventional3.60
- E Enterprising3.08
- R Realistic1.56
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (42%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- None (42%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years (37%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- WritingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Active LearningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.9Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- InstructingImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
Show the other 23
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- SciencebasicImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
- CoordinationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- Service OrientationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- PersuasionImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- NegotiationImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- ProgrammingImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Technology DesignImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
15 coreWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior.Importance 4.7
- Prepare publications and reports containing research findings.Importance 4.4
- Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.Importance 4.3
- Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.Importance 4.3
- Develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews.Importance 4.3
- Teach sociology.Importance 4.3
- Present research findings at professional meetings.Importance 4.0
- Explain sociological research to the general public.Importance 4.0
- Develop problem intervention procedures, using techniques such as interviews, consultations, role playing, and participant observation of group interactions.Importance 3.8
- Consult with and advise individuals such as administrators, social workers, and legislators regarding social issues and policies, as well as the implications of research findings.Importance 3.7
- Direct work of statistical clerks, statisticians, and others who compile and evaluate research data.Importance 3.6
- Collaborate with research workers in other disciplines.Importance 3.5
Show the other 3
- Write grants to obtain funding for research projects.Importance 3.4
- Develop approaches to the solution of groups' problems, based on research findings in sociology and related disciplines.Importance 3.3
- Observe group interactions and role affiliations to collect data, identify problems, evaluate progress, and determine the need for additional change.Importance 3.2
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 5.0Level 6.7Level 7 looks like: Create a new theory about the development of civilizations
- English LanguageImportance 4.6Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Teach a college English class
- Education and TrainingImportance 4.2Level 5.7
- MathematicsImportance 3.5Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.4Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- History and ArcheologyImportance 3.4Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Teach local history to school children
- Law and GovernmentImportance 3.2Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 3.2Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Understand another culture's religious practices
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- PsychologyImportance 3.2Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
- GeographyImportance 2.7Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.7Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.4Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- AdministrativeImportance 2.3Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Foreign LanguageImportance 2.2Level 2.7
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.9Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.9Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.8Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- BiologyImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- DesignImportance 1.3Level —
- TransportationImportance 1.3Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.1Level —
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.1Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.0Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.3Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.3Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.9Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Near VisionImportance 3.6Level 3.6
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- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Information OrderingImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- OriginalityImportance 3.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Selective AttentionImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Far VisionImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- MemorizationImportance 2.5Level 2.8
- Number FacilityImportance 2.4Level 2.6Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Auditory AttentionImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.1Level —
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.0Level —
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Getting InformationImportance 4.9Level 6.5Level 7 looks like: Study international tax laws
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.8Level 6.3Level 7 looks like: Analyze the cost of medical care services for all hospitals in the country
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.7Level 6.2Level 7 looks like: Interpret a complex experiment in physics for general audiences
- Processing InformationImportance 4.6Level 6.3Level 7 looks like: Compile data for a complex scientific report
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.5Level 5.9
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.4Level 5.8
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.4Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 4.3Level 5.6
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- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.1Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.0Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.0Level 5.6
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.0Level 5.8
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.0Level 5.7
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.9Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.9Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.8Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.7Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.4Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.3Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.3Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.3Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.2Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.0Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.7Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.4Level 2.9
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.3Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.2Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.9Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.5Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.3Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
39 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (18)
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Photoshop
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- R
- Salesforce software
- SAP software
- SAS
Other tools (21)
- Adobe Dreamweaver
- ATLAS.ti
- Circle Systems Stat/Transfer
- Data visualization software
- Database management system DBMS
- Email software
- Fund accounting software
- Helios TextPad
- Microsoft Publisher
- Muthen & Muthen Mplus
- Online reference databases
- QSR International NVivo
- Qualtrics Research Suite
- Scientific Software International HLM
- Scientific Software International LISREL
- Social media sites
- StataCorp Stata
- Thomson Reuters EndNote
- VERBI MAXQDA
- Web browser software
- Web editing software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.1 points · Instructing +0.5, Learning Strategies +0.4
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Political Scientists
Average difference 0.1 points · Management of Personnel Resources −0.8, Monitoring −0.6
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Geography Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.1 points · Social Perceptiveness −0.8, Instructing +0.5
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Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −1.2, Social Perceptiveness −0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing +1.2, Science −0.5
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −1.3, Mathematics −0.9
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −1.0, Instructing +0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.2 points · Science +0.9, Social Perceptiveness −0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.