Final answer:
Emile Durkheim was perhaps the first sociologist to successfully combine theory and research in his sociological work. Option b is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Emile Durkheim, a pioneering sociologist, is widely recognized for skillfully integrating theory and research in his work. His seminal contributions laid the foundation for modern sociology.
This empirical approach marked a departure from earlier philosophical speculation in sociology. Durkheim's commitment to combining theoretical insights with meticulous research methodologies solidified his legacy as a key figure in the development of sociology, shaping the discipline's trajectory for generations to come.
Option b is correct.