Final answer:
Sociologists focused on understanding and solving local social issues such as alcoholism and crime are practicing applied sociology. This field is geared towards creating practical outcomes and implementing policies to address these challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sociologists who study issues like alcoholism, drug abuse, crime, or domestic violence with the aim of improving understanding at a local level and solving social problems are likely engaged in applied sociology. This branch of sociology is practical in its approach and often focuses on creating change and implementing social policies. Applied sociologists utilize their insights to inform and improve interventions, programs, and policies that address social issues, making a direct impact on communities and addressing local challenges. In contrast, clinical sociology involves directly providing services or counseling to individuals or groups, while macro sociology looks at larger-scale social processes and structures.