EUTHANASIA & SUICIDE by Brent Pergram, Masters of Arts in Sociology The specific sociological problem that is the topic of this research paper is euthanasia. The purpose of this research is to identify the variables associated with euthanasia. It also discusses the variables associated with various types of euthanasia and suicide. I believe that elderly suicide is an example of active euthanasia, and therefore it is important to discuss the issue to have a better understanding of the social problem of euthanasia and suicide. I will also discuss variables that influence whether a person supports euthanasia or not