SOC Exam 2

Sociological theories

Logical

Glasses

Metaphor for a sociological theory

Empirical Data

knowledge gathered by researchers through scientific methods

Macro-level paradigms

concerned with large-scale patterns and institutions. Structural functionalism and Social Conflict Paradigm

Micro-level paradigm

concerned with small-group social relations and interactions. Symbolic interactionalism

Functionalism

seeks to explain social organization and the change in terms of the roles performed by different social structures

Functionalism

Key question: What function does a particular institution

Emile Durkheim

credited with developing early foundations of functionalism

Talcott Parsons

expanded functionalist analysis by looking at whole social systems

Failure to recognize inequalities

Weakness of functionalism

Robert Merton

expanded our understanding of the concept of social function by pointing out that any social structure probably has many functions. He distinguished between manifest functions and latent functions.

Manifest Functions

the obvious and intended functions of a given phenomenon or institution

latent functions

functions that are not recognized or expected

Social Conflict Paradigm

seeks to explain social organization and change in terms of the conflict built into social relationships

Social Conflict Paradigm

Key Question: Who benefits from the way social institutions and relationships are structured?

a. thinking logically and clear.

Critical thinking involves:

Select one:
a. thinking logically and clear.
b. backing up your argument with anecdotal evidence.
c. making sure your own assumptions and biases underlie all of your arguments.
d. All of the above

d. All of the above

Sociological theories are:

Select one:
a. frameworks.
b. a viewing of the social world.
c. asking particular questions about the social world.
d. All of the above

c. Symbolic interactionalism

Which of the following is a micro-level paradigm?

Select one:
a. Structural functionalism
b. Social conflict theory
c. Symbolic interactionalism
d. A and B

d. All of the above

Structural functionalism:

Select one:
a. seeks to discover the function of an institution or phenomenon.
b. views society as a system of interdependent parts contributing to the stability of the whole system.
c. distinguishes between intended and unintended functions.
d. All of the above

True

Social conflict theory focuses on what divides people rather than what unites them.

Select one:
True
False

True

Symbolic interactionists focus on how people interact

b. Social conflict theory

A key focus of this theory is its emphasis on inequalities.

Select one:
a. Structural functionalism
b. Social conflict theory
c. Symbolic interactionalism

c. Symbolic interactionalism

A key focus of this theory is its emphasis on experiences and meanings.

Select one:
a. Structural functionalism
b. Social conflict theory
c. Symbolic interactionalism

a. Structural functionalism

A key focus of this theory is its emphasis on smooth operations.

Select one:
a. Structural functionalism
b. Social conflict theory
c. Symbolic interactionalism

Emile Durkheim

Famous Sociologist: Structural functionalism

Karl Marx

Famous Sociologist: Social conflict theory

Herbert Blumer

Famous Sociologist: Symbolic interactionalism

c. hypotheses.

Ideas about the world that describe possible relationships between social phenomena is/are BEST described as:

Select one:
a. deductive reasoning.
b. inductive reasoning.
c. hypotheses.
d. the scientific method.

False

Data that cannot be quantified is referred to as quantitative research.

Select one:
True
False

False

Common wisdom is supported by logical conclusions drawn from scientific data.

Select one:
True
False

Correlation

The degree to which two or more variables are associated with one another.

causal relationship

A relationship between two variables in which one variable is the cause of the other.

spurious relationship

A pattern between two variables that is actually the result of something else that is not being measured.

b. Good theories are constructed in a way that makes it logically possible to prove them wrong.

What is accurate about testing theories?

Select one:
a. Only a low percentage of theories are proven to be decisively right.
b. Good theories are constructed in a way that makes it logically possible to prove them wrong.
c. A testable hypothesis must lead to a scientific theory that can be disproved.
d. All of the above

a. validity.

The degree to which concepts and their measurements accurately represent what they claim to represent is BEST described as:

Select one:
a. validity.
b. reliability.
c. bias.
d. A and B

True

Random sampling is a method in which everyone in the population of interest has an equal chance of being chosen for the study.

Select one:
True
False

False

Independent variables change as a result of change in the other variables.

Select one:
True
False

survey

Questionnaires or interviews.

fieldwork

In-depth and often extended study.

experimentation

Investigating cause and effect under controlled conditions

document analysis

Examination of existing materials and products

theory/problem/question

FIRST step of the sociological research formula

review existing literature

SECOND step of the sociological research formula

develop hypotheses

THIRD step of the sociological research formula

create research plan (involves weighing ethics)

FOURTH step of the sociological research formula

collect data

FIFTH step of the sociological research formula

analyze data

SIXTH step of the sociological research formula

share results

SEVENTH step of the sociological research formula

true

Many of sociology's founders shared the hope that a fairer and more just society would be achieved through the scientific understanding of society.

Select one:
True
False

c. Auguste Comte

Emilé Durkheim

Although \_______ coined the term 'sociology'

Max Weber
b. Auguste Comte

Harriet Martineau
c. Auguste Comte

Emilé Durkheim
d. Emilé Durkheim

W.E.B. Du Bois

true

Positivist science is one in which knowledge is based on scientific reasoning and facts.

Select one:
True
False

False

Although Harriet Martineau sought social justice for women she was criticized for preserving and promoting slavery.

Select one:
True
False

false

Social solidarity describes the qualities of groups that are external to the individual yet have a significant influence on our day-to-day behavior.

Select one:
True
False

a. Technological advancements would decrease in speed and frequency over time.

Which of the following did Marx NOT predict?

Select one:
a. Technological advancements would decrease in speed and frequency over time.
b. More people would become proletariat.
c. Workers would be replaced by machines.
d. Ownership of the means of production would become concentrated in fewer and fewer hands.

true

Max Weber believed modern society was increasingly characterized by rationality

d. A and B

Which of the following is TRUE of the early 20th-century brand of sociological thought known as the Chicago School?

Select one:
a. It largely focused on social ills such as crime

c. W.E.B. Du Bois

Which of the following sociologists was critical of Black people who "made it" yet then turned their backs on those who had not?

Select one:
a. Emilé Durkheim
b. Robert Ezra Park
c. W.E.B. Du Bois
d. B and C

d. A and B

The reason there are so few "founding mothers" is because:

Select one:
a. in the early U.S. women were excluded from public life.
b. men who dominated the social sciences largely ignored the writings of women scholars.
c. women were not interested in sociology and did write about social life.
d. A and B

sample

a portion of the larger population selected to represent the whole

spurious relationship

a correlation between variables that is caused by another factor not being measured

functionalism

Debra Romano passes away. Her responsibilities of cooking and cleaning are taken on by her mother-in-law to keep their family life stable.

b. Conflict Theory

Workers of the world UNITE!

Select one:
a. Functionalism
b. Conflict Theory
c. Symbolic Interactionalism

a. Functionalism

The growth of suburban areas provide homes for cities experiencing population increases.

Select one:
a. Functionalism
b. Conflict Theory
c. Symbolic Interactionalism

c. Symbolic Interactionalism

A person's address/neighborhood is a reflection of their social class.

Select one:
a. Functionalism
b. Conflict Theory
c. Symbolic Interactionalism

b. Conflict Theory

Families are the basis for transferring property from one generation to the next. Consequently the children of future generations are born with unequal access to education and health care.

Select one:
a. Functionalism
b. Conflict Theory
c. Symbolic Interactionalism

b. Conflict Theory

Social change is the result of rivalry efforts between Republicans and Democrats.

Select one:
a. Functionalism
b. Conflict Theory
c. Symbolic Interactionalism

c. Symbolic Interactionalism

Environmental groups influence wildlife legislation through their labeling of certain animal groups as "endangered" or not.

Select one:
a. Functionalism
b. Conflict Theory
c. Symbolic Interactionalism

b. Conflict Theory

Wealthier countries often exploit the minerals

c. Symbolic Interactionalism

Students from various races and social classes often find commonality in the identity of their school mascot.

Select one:
a. Functionalism
b. Conflict Theory
c. Symbolic Interactionalism

c. Symbolic Interactionalism

Union marketing materials are often perceived as hostile and demanding towards business owners.

Select one:
a. Functionalism
b. Conflict Theory
c. Symbolic Interactionalism

c. Symbolic Interactionalism

Children from poor families are eligible for free lunch tickets. Some of these students feel ashamed of using their tickets in the lunch line due to the stigma associated with the tickets.

Select one:
a. Functionalism
b. Conflict Theory
c. Symbolic Interactionalism

b. Conflict Theory

Social institutions perpetuate racism and sexism.

Select one:
a. Functionalism
b. Conflict Theory
c. Symbolic Interactionalism

a. Functionalism

Families contribute to human survival through reproduction of future generations.

Select one:
a. Functionalism
b. Conflict Theory
c. Symbolic Interactionalism

c. Symbolic Interactionalism

Social scientists have found that teachers' expectations of student performance have a great effect on the students' actual achievement.

Select one:
a. Functionalism
b. Conflict Theory
c. Symbolic Interactionalism

b. Conflict Theory

Middle class people may choose to move to the suburbs

however

lower class people do not have the income to afford housing or transportation necessary for suburban living.

Select one:
a. Functionalism
b. Conflict Theory
c. Symbolic Interactionalism

a. Functionalism

As we add to the knowledge of the physical body and the field of medicine

b. Conflict Theory

Labor unions prevent employers from unnecessarily exploiting their workers.

Select one:
a. Functionalism
b. Conflict Theory
c. Symbolic Interactionalism

a. Functionalism

Social change is necessary to maintain equilibrium.

Select one:
a. Functionalism
b. Conflict Theory
c. Symbolic Interactionalism

a. Functionalism

Churches provide a safe haven for people during periods of crisis and confusion.

Select one:
a. Functionalism
b. Conflict Theory
c. Symbolic Interactionalism

a. Functionalism

Survival of the fittest.

Select one:
a. Functionalism
b. Conflict Theory
c. Symbolic Interactionalism

c. Symbolic Interactionalism

Traditional worship services usually involve singing from a hymnal whereas contemporary worship services include raising hands

c. Symbolic Interactionalism

Social change results in having to learn new information about certain topics

a. Functionalism

Labor unions provide a venue for the necessary communication between workers and their employers.

Select one:
a. Functionalism
b. Conflict Theory
c. Symbolic Interactionalism

b. Conflict Theory

The education system socializes students into values dictated by those in positions of power.

Select one:
a. Functionalism
b. Conflict Theory
c. Symbolic Interactionalism

a. Functionalism

Environmental groups help to protect the physical environment which is necessary for human survival.

Select one:
a. Functionalism
b. Conflict Theory
c. Symbolic Interactionalism

a. Functionalism

Social institutions preserve social order.

Select one:
a. Functionalism
b. Conflict Theory
c. Symboilc Interactionalism

c. Symbolic Interactionalism

Social institutions help us to understand the culture of our community.

Select one:
a. Functionalism
b. Conflict Theory
c. Symbolic Interactionalism

b. Conflict Theory

Environmental groups prevent industrial development jobs from being created.

Select one:
a. Functionalism
b. Conflict Theory
c. Symbolic Interactionalism

d. All of the above

According to the textbook

c. often include information linking your career interests to potential academic majors.

Assessments...

Select one:
a. must be completed in a group setting.
b. focus on your future goals

True

Internships offer students an opportunity to explore career options.

Select one:
True
False

c. third

The \_____ paragraph of your cover letter should identify career-related characteristics that will support your success in the position.

Select one:
a. first
b. second
c. third
d. final

False

According to the textbook

empirical data

knowledge gathered by researchers