What sociological investigation focuses on the study of small groups often using laboratory experimental studies?

Microsociology is the branch of sociology that concentrates on the study of small groups and the everyday interactions among individuals within those groups. This approach is concerned with the detailed and nuanced dynamics that occur in face-to-face interactions, which makes it particularly suitable for laboratory experimental studies. By focusing on small groups, microsociologists can explore individual behavior, socialization processes, and the formation of identity in context.

In laboratory experiments, researchers can manipulate conditions and observe how individuals interact under controlled circumstances, allowing for a deeper understanding of social behavior and the factors that influence it. This contrasts with macrosociology, which looks at larger social structures and institutions, and does not typically delve into the granular details of interpersonal interactions. Other approaches, like phenomenology and structuralism, have different focal points—phenomenology emphasizes individuals' subjective experiences and perceptions, while structuralism examines the overarching structures that shape society, rather than the minute interactions within small groups.