Introduces teachers to potential benefits of using conceptual analysis as an alternative didactic strategy. Outlines the framework and techniques, reviews relevant literature, and demonstrates several methods for developing cases. Concludes that conceptual analysis is a valuable technique for improving students' empirical thinking and work.…

Discusses how the basic concepts from formal logic can be used as a teaching aid in beginning sociology courses. Three sociological arguments are analyzed, to determine their logical structure and the validity of their conclusions. (Author/RM)

Explores new ways of stimulating critical thinking in teaching basic sociology courses and finds the use of paradoxes and dilemmas an effective teaching tool, as they reflect the dialectical nature of sociological analysis. Gives examples of paradoxes and dilemmas, and discusses basic strategies in recognizing and resolving dilemmas. (NL)