Which of the following is NOT a sociological principle?

The notion of "see the obvious in the complex" is not a recognized sociological principle. In sociology, the emphasis is often placed on understanding the complexities of social interactions, structures, and patterns rather than simplifying them to merely what is obvious. For example, sociologists encourage a deeper analysis of societal issues by looking beyond face-value assessments, which is more in line with the idea of "seeing the general in the particular" and "seeing the strange in the familiar."

These two well-established principles illustrate the sociological perspective of extracting broader social patterns from individual instances and understanding that everyday social phenomena may contain unexpected and intricate dynamics. Focusing on collective behavior is also a fundamental aspect of sociology, as it examines how individuals interact in groups and how societal norms shape these interactions. This makes it clear that appreciating the complexities of social life is crucial in sociological inquiry, thereby reinforcing why "see the obvious in the complex" does not align with foundational sociological principles.