Introduction to Sociology Flashcards

These flashcards cover key concepts from the sociology lecture notes, addressing foundational theories, social dynamics, technology's impact on behavior, and the evolution of sociological thought.

What term describes the way technology influences human connection, creating a state of being 'alone together'?

The Goldilocks effect.

Who argues that smartphones have contributed to a mental health crisis among teens?

Jean Twenge.

What generation is known as iGen, characterized by their experience with smartphones and the internet from a young age?

Those born between 1995-2012.

In Hobbes' social theory, what is necessary to prevent a 'war of all against all'?

A sovereign state.

What does the structure of reciprocity emphasize in social exchanges?

How exchange behaviors and benefits are interconnected.

According to Linda Molm, what is reciprocity in social exchange?

The giving of benefits to another in return for benefits received.

Which type of exchange requires direct negotiation between parties?

Direct negotiated exchange.

What are common problems associated with online behavior according to Deursen and van Dijk?

Operational and formal skill-related problems.

What does the term 'operational internet skills' refer to?

Skills used to operate computers and networks.

Who proposed the idea that Protestant ethics contributed to capitalist economies?

Max Weber.

What was the focus of Weber's Protestant Ethic thesis?

The relationship between religion and the development of capitalism.

What concept refers to individuals striving to maintain or enhance their self-esteem through group identification?

Social identity.

What phenomenon explains why people tend to conform to the opinions of the majority?

The line judgment experiment.

What term refers to behavior intended to uphold collective norms, often enforced by social sanctions?

Social control.

What is a central principle of Granovetter's theory about social networks?

Weak ties are more useful than strong ties in job searching.

What is the Gini coefficient a measure of?

Income stratification in society.

What does the 'protestant ethic' suggest about work and morality?

Hard work is a way of honoring God.

What social behavior stereotypes do people develop based on their social ties?

In-group favoritism.

What is the effect of passive Facebook use on adolescents' mental health?

Increases depressed mood.

Which term refers to the tendency that social media influences users to behave in alignment with the majority?

Social proof.

What theory describes people conforming to expectations in social contexts?

Social control theory.

In which type of social interaction is 'emotional contagion' noted where emotions are transferred between individuals?

Social media use.

What is the term for the social learning process where individuals adopt behaviors observed in others?

Observational social learning.

What mechanism refers to how social networks allow for behaviors like conformity to evolve based on group dynamics?

Social learning theory.

Which phenomenon occurs when individuals tend to influence the behavior of others in their social network?

Emotional contagion.

What term refers to the idea that connections are often stronger between similar individuals?

Homophily.

What is the key takeaway from the small-world phenomenon?

Individuals are connected through a few degrees of separation.

What does the term 'reciprocity' relate to in social networks?

The expectation that benefits exchanged are mutually returned.

Which framework outlines how social contexts influence individual outcomes?

Multilevel framework.

What kind of social network strengthens community ties and enhances cooperation?

Cohesive networks.

What term describes the tendency for users to contribute less to group activities as group size increases?

Social loafing.

In what context are individuals more likely to provide help when others are present?

Bystander effect.

What theory explains the observed effects of social learning on public opinions?

Social learning theory.

In the context of social networks, what are 'hubs'?

Highly connected central nodes.

What is the relationship between social ties and trust according to sociology?

Stronger ties promote trust.

What theoretical approach suggests that individual achievements matter more in modern societies than ascribed characteristics?

Modernization theory.

How do weak ties contribute to job finding compared to strong ties?

They provide more diverse information.

What does the phrase 'the tragedy of the commons' refer to in social dilemmas?

Individuals acting in self-interest can deplete shared resources.

Which process describes how social networks influence the adoption of new ideas?

Diffusion of innovations.

Who proposed practical social theories including the impact of Protestantism on capitalism?

Max Weber.

What defines the collective outcomes in social dynamics from individual actions?

Aggregation mechanism.

What influence does media have on social behaviors according to the Werther effect?

Increases likelihood of copycat suicides.

What sociological question examines the impact of social structures on individual outcomes?

Social context effects.

What refers to changes in the structure of populations over time, particularly fertility and mortality rates?

Demographic transition.

Which sociological concept relates to social organizations and the degree of trust and cooperation within them?

Social capital.

What does the term 'individualization' refer to in terms of sociological trends over time?

A shift from collectivistic values to individualistic values.

What is the main argument against the view that economic success breeds happiness?

Happiness can vary independently of economic conditions.

What phenomenon leads individuals to conform to the judgments of the majority in a group?

Conformity.

What does the term 'free-rider problem' describe in collective action contexts?

Individuals who benefit from resources without contributing.

What social science concept refers to patterns and connections among individuals in a group or community?

Social networks.

What do sociologists mean by 'social stratification'?

Ranking of individuals or groups in a society based on valued resources.

What theory posits that social capital contributes to collective action and community benefits?

Social capital theory.

What research emphasized the role of friendship in personal well-being and happiness?

Sociology of friendship.

In the context of social psychology, what is the 'Pygmalion effect'?

Higher expectations lead to better performance.

What does the concept of 'collective consciousness' refer to in sociology?

Shared beliefs and values within a society.

What is a primary focus of sociological research according to Peter Hedström?

The relationship between theory and empirical research.

What is 'status differentiation' as observed in social theory?

Process by which society ranks individuals and groups according to prestige.

What does the term 'structural mobility' imply in studies of social stratification?

Mobility resulting from changes in the social structure rather than individual effort.