Hands-on
2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert
Explore a possible path
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.
How does this connect to your interests? →A look at the work
- Analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior.
- Prepare publications and reports containing research findings.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews.
- Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.
- Teach sociology.
- Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.
- Present research findings at professional meetings.
- Explain sociological research to the general public.
A selection of source-listed tasks; duties vary by role and employer.
Interests involved in this work
These source scores describe occupational work activities. They are separate from your personal test results.
1.6 / 7
Investigative
2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert
Creative
2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert
Helping people
2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert
Enterprising
2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert
Organizing
2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert
Skills to explore
Source-reported importance on a 1–5 scale. Try a course, project or conversation to learn what these skills involve.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
2023-08
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
2023-08
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
2023-08
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
2023-08
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
2023-08
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
2023-08
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
2023-08
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
2023-08
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
2023-08
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
2023-08
Plan a small next step
Talk to someone doing this work, look for a supervised activity, and explore the subjects that interest you. Admission, licensing and current program requirements should be confirmed with the relevant institutions.
Source preparation category: Job Zone 5 of 5 · 2023-08. This category describes typical preparation, not your eligibility.
Related study fields
Source crosswalk connections are research leads, not required qualifications.
Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods →
Demography and Population Studies →
Explore all related study fields →Source & methodology
O*NET-SOC code 19-3041.00 · Database 31.0 · Retrieved Oct 14, 2026. Dates on individual observations describe their source periods.
How interest exploration matching works →Data: O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Used under CC BY 4.0. StudyIndex normalizes the presentation and adds exploration features; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions.