exam prep

Preparation for Upcoming Exam

  • Date and Context:

    • The exam is scheduled for February 7.
    • A detailed study guide is posted on Canvas under Chapter Three.
    • The study guide consists of 30 different items.

  • In-Class Review:

    • An in-class review session is planned to cover the first four or five items of the study guide.
    • Purpose: To ensure students know how to answer the study guide individually.

  • Exam Logistics:

    • Format: The exam will be conducted primarily online using a computer or tablet.
    • Prohibited Items:
    • No use of phones.
    • Engage only with permitted exam content.
    • Students must bring a computer or tablet; additional computers are available for checkout in the library if needed.
    • Sign-In Procedure:
    • An attendance sheet will be circulated for students to sign.
    • Signing must occur before the exam or by evening at the latest.
    • Technical Guidelines:
    • Only one web browser should be open during the exam.
    • Actions leading to being locked out include:
      • Attempting to refresh the test.
      • Taking a screenshot.
      • Interacting with anything outside the exam.
      • Using AI extensions.
    • If locked out, students should immediately raise a hand for assistance.

  • Testing Etiquette:

    • Silence all devices; it is preferable to mute phones to avoid distraction.
    • Headphones and Smart Watches:
    • No headphones allowed.
    • Smart watches must be removed.
    • Allowed Items:
    • Students may bring water and light snacks, provided they leave quietly upon finishing.

  • Exam Structure:

    • The exam will consist of 50 to 60 questions:
    • Multiple Choice: Students read questions carefully and select the best answer from four or five choices.
    • True or False: Evaluating statements as true or false.
    • Matching Questions: Pairing items from one list to another.
    • Duration: Students will have one hour and twenty minutes to complete the exam.
    • Focus on answering questions correctly, not just on finishing fast.

Study Strategies for Exam Preparation

  • Group Work:

    • Students will break into smaller groups to discuss strategies for studying for the exam.
    • Engage with group members in dialogue to share ideas and strategies without using cell phones for non-educational purposes.

  • Recommended Study Methods:

    • Utilize Quizlet for flashcards and quizzes based on the study guide.
    • Review each item in detail from the study guide as all will be relevant to the exam content.
    • Discuss notes with peers to confirm understanding.
    • Reread chapters related to the content on the study guide.
    • Engage in study groups for collaborative learning.

Discussion of Study Guide Content

  • Item 1: Definition of Sociology:

    • Sociological studies focus on human groups and societal analysis, notably in industrialized societies.

  • Item 2: Levels of Analysis:

    • Micro-Level:
    • Involves small-scale, face-to-face interactions, such as individual relationships.
    • Example: Studying interactions among students.
    • Macro-Level:
    • Deals with large-scale groups, organizations, and social systems.

  • Key Figures Discussed:

    • Karl Marx:
    • Focused on capitalism's role in societal inequality.
    • Predicted class conflict and the eventual uprising of the proletariat (workers).
    • Emile Durkheim:
    • Provided an early analysis of social facts in sociology, emphasizing objectivity akin to natural sciences.
    • Mentioned the social factors influencing suicide rather than attributing it solely to individual despair.
    • Max Weber:
    • Had differing views from Marx, deemphasizing conflict and focusing on social change.
    • Jane Addams:
    • Studied women's lives, emphasizing issues that were previously ignored, such as marriage and women's societal roles.

  • Conflict Theories:

    • Emphasis on inequalities existing both in public and private spheres.
    • Recognize different types of social conflict theories, such as feminist theory.

Review Techniques for Each Study Guide Item

  • Work through all items to identify potential question formats:

    • Identify if it could be a multiple choice, true or false, or matching question based on how many sub-items there are.

  • Example of Study Question:

    • Research Method Inquiry: For collecting a large, representative sample of attitudes towards gun control, the keyword would lead to the method of "surveys" when identifying options, highlighting the importance of recognizing key terms.

  • Closing Remarks:

    • Emphasized the value of study groups and collaboration, encouraging students to form groups post-class for additional support.