Sociology 101 Final
Based on our class discussion, in the United States, suicide rates tend to be highest among people who are A. 18-29 years old B. 30-39 years old C. 40-49 years old D. 50-65 years old E. Over 65 years old
A. 18-29 years old
Who was the U.S. sociologist who distinguished between the manifest functions and the latent functions of social patterns? A. Robert K. Merton B. William Graham Sumner C. Talcott Parsons D. C. Wright Mills
A. Robert K. Merton
Identify the three sociologists who played a part in the development of sociology's structural-functional approach A. Auguste Comte, Karl Marx, W.E.B. Du Bois B. Auguste Comte, Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim C. Herbert Spencer, Karl Marx, Auguste Comte D. Harriet Martineau, Robert Merton, W.E.B. Du Bois
B. Auguste Comte, Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim
All conflict theorists regard race/ethnicity conflict as the central and most important source of social change A. True B. False
B. False
A prostitute is being interviewed by a sociologist who asks to know why the prostitute is engaged in a demeaning and physically dangerous activity such as prostitution. In response, the prostitute argues that no one has a right to define what she is doing and that she considers herself a sex worker in the same way that someone else may see themselves as a "social worker". Based on information from this class, this prostitute is looking at prostitution from A. A structural functional perspective B. A social conflict perspective C. A feminist perspective D. A symbolic interactionist perspective E. None of the above
D. A symbolic interactionist perspective
The concept "sociology" was coined in 1838 by A. Karl Marx. B. Herbert Spencer. C. Adam Smith. D. Auguste Comte
D. Auguste Comte
__________ perspectives are based on the assumption that society is a stable, orderly system composed of interrelated parts, each of which (ideally) contributes to the overall stability of the society a. Functionalist b. Developmental c. Conflict d. Interactionist
a. Functionalist
__________ are people who provide data for analysis through interviews or questionnaires a. Control groups b. Respondents c. Observers d. Polls
b. Respondents
Which of these is not part of the theoretical contributions of Max Weber? a. being value free in one's research b. insights on women's issues c. an emphasis on class struggle d. concern about the impact of bureaucracy
c. an emphasis on class struggle
Analyzing the coal industry, which theoretical perspective would most likely look at the conflict of interests between coal companies and public health? a. functionalist b. developmental c. conflict d. interactionist
c. conflict
The basis for Marx's theory of society is the belief that _______________ a. the evolution of society is based on the concept of "survival of the fittest" b. society is comprised of the dual processes of social statics and social dynamics c. conflict between different economic classes is necessary to produce social change d. people are the products of their social environments
c. conflict between different economic classes is necessary to produce social change
Unlike others who believed that values could not be separated from the research process, German social scientist __________ emphasized that sociology should be value free—conducted in a scientific manner to exclude the researcher's personal values and economic interests. a. Emile Durkheim b. Herbert Spencer c. Karl Marx d. Max Weber
d. Max Weber
__________ states that societies develop social structures, or institutions, that persist because they play a part in helping society survive. These institutions include the family, education, government, religion, and the economy a. Symbolic interactionism b. Postmodernism c. Conflict theory d. Functionalism
d. Functionalism
Marx argued that when workers are paid less than the value of their labor, this exploitation results in __________, a feeling of powerlessness and estrangement from other people and from oneself a. bourgeoisie b. anomie c. class conflict d. alienation
d. alienation
Compared to quantitative research, qualitative research is more likely to _________ a. lend itself to statistical analysis b. use a larger sample c. formulate research questions that interest the participants d. collect and analyze the data simultaneously
d. collect and analyze the data simultaneously
You visit your Sociology Professor at his home and notice that his wife is overworked as she is the one expected to cook, clean the house, take care of the children and do the laundry on a daily basis when her husband simply waits to be served. When you confront your professor, he explains that his wife is a better cook and cleaner than him and that she is equally good with children and has the detail-orientation required to do the laundry. In fact, he argues that the gender roles in his home helps to keep the family working in order and in harmony. Your professor is using _________ perspective to explain this phenomenon. A. Structural functionist B. Social conflict C. Symbolic Interactionist D. None of the above
A. Structural functionist
In the United States, men have a higher suicide rate than women. A. True B. False
A. True
Which theoretical approach was used by the early sociologists Auguste Comte and Emile Durkheim? A. the structural-functional approach B. the social-conflict approach C. the symbolic-interaction approach D. no theoretical approach was used
A. the structural-functional approach
Comte described the earliest human societies as being at which stage of historical development? A. theological stage B. metaphysical stage C. scientific stage D. post-scientific stage
A. theological stage
In the United States today, the suicide rate is highest for which of the following? A. white males B. African American males C. white females D. African American females
A. white males
Based on class information, which of the following would be a reasonable criticism of the Structural Functionalist perspective? A.By emphasizing stability, order, and benefits, it ignores the reality of social conflict B. It ignores social unity based on interdependence and share values C. It is too micro D. All of the above
A.By emphasizing stability, order, and benefits, it ignores the reality of social conflict
All sociological theories and theorists may be categorized as functionalist, conflict, or symbolic interactionist. A. True B. False
B. False
The symbolic-interaction approach is a macro-level orientation A. True B. False
B. False
Refer to our classroom activity about how to decide the person to marry. Which of the following statements best summarizes the main point of the activity? A. In the United States, unlike other countries, the choice of a life partner is an individual decision that is not influenced by society. B. The choice of who to marry may seem like a personal decision but that choice is, in itself, influenced by social structures C. The institution of religion has a far greater influence on the person you marry than any of the other remaining institutions D. None of the above
B. The choice of who to marry may seem like a personal decision but that choice is, in itself, influenced by social structures
The recognized and intended consequences of a social pattern are referred to as A. latent functions B. manifest functions C. eufunctions D. dysfunctions
B. manifest functions
Using the structural-functional approach, which of the following questions might you ask about marriage? A. What do people think marriage means? B. How does marriage benefit women and men in different ways? C. How do marriages benefit society? D. How can we help people find more happiness in their marriages?
C. How do marriages benefit society?
You work at a fast food restaurant where you are paid the minimum wage. According to Marx, you would be considered a member of the ____________ because you are among the poor class and do not own the means of production. A. Bourgeoisie B. Pettite bourgeoisie C. Proletariat class D. Laissez-faire class
C. Proletariat class
According to Emile Durkheim, people with a higher suicide rate typically have A. more clinical depression B. less money, power, and other resources C. lower social integration D. greater self-esteem
C. lower social integration
Your best friend commits suicide after her fiancé who they were supposed to get married to within a year tells her that he has broken up with her and is going out with her best friend. What would Durkheim call this suicide? A. Egoistic suicide B. Anomic suicide C. Altruistic suicide D. Fatalistic suicide
A. Egoistic suicide
Which of the following is an accurate criticism of the structural-functional approach? A. It ignores inequality that can generate tension and conflict B. It focuses too much on social dysfunction. C. It focuses too much on power divisions in society. D. It is a politically liberal view of society
A. It ignores inequality that can generate tension and conflict
According to the functionalist perspective, societies develop social structures (institutions) that persist because they play a part in helping society survive. These institutions include the family, education, government, religion, and the economy A. True B. False
A. True
People with lower social standing are usually more likely to see the world from a sociological perspective than people who are well off A. True B. False
A. True
Making use of the sociological perspective encourages A. challenging commonly held beliefs B. accepting commonly-held wisdom C. the belief that society is mysterious D. people to be happy with their lives as they are
A. challenging commonly held beliefs
Sociologists cannot identify "laws of society" that allow us to precisely predict the behavior of an individual because A. human behavior may be patterned, but it is also spontaneous B. sociology is still very young C. no sociologist ever tried to discover such laws D. no sociologist would wish to predict human behavior
A. human behavior may be patterned, but it is also spontaneous
Unrecognized and unintended consequences of a social pattern are called A. latent functions B. manifest functions C. eufunctions D. dysfunction
A. latent functions.
Which of the following is a manifest function of sports? A. providing recreation and physical conditioning B. fostering social relationships C. generating jobs D. teaching a society's way of life
A. providing recreation and physical conditioning
Which concept is used to describe relatively stable patterns of social behavior? A. social structure B. social institution C. social functions D. social dysfunctions
A. social structure
Which theoretical approach would highlight the fact that, on average, African American families have less income than white families? A. social-conflict approach B. the structural-functional approach C. the symbolic-interaction approach D. both social conflict and structural functionalism
A. social-conflict approach
Which discipline defines itself as "the systematic study of human society"? A. sociology B. psychology C. economics D. history
A. sociology
The main characteristic of the _____ approach is its view of society as being orderly and stable A. structural-functional B. social-conflict C. social-interaction D. tradition-based
A. structural-functional
The _____ approaches are macro-level, describing societies in broad terms A. structural-functional and social-conflict B. structural-functional and symbolic-interaction C. social-conflict and symbolic-interaction D. All of these are correct
A. structural-functional and social-conflict
The theoretical approach in sociology that assumes society is a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability is the A. structural-functional approach B. social-conflict approach C. symbolic-interaction approach D. tradition-based approach
A. structural-functional approach
A reasonable conclusion from our Barbie Doll activity is that A.Barbie doll is a toy for children that does not have any effect on people's behavior B. Barbie doll influences social life but is also influenced by society C. Most Barbie dolls are actually made in Mexico D. Barbie doll looks the same in all countries
B. Barbie doll influences social life but is also influenced by society
Durkheim documented that categories of people with weaker social ties have lower suicide rates A. True B. False
B. False
In the United States, African Americans have a higher suicide rate than whites A. True B. False
B. False
The focus of the symbolic-interaction approach is how society is divided by class, race, and gender A. True B. False
B. False
To say that a social pattern is "dysfunctional" means that it has more than one function for the operation of society A. True B. False
B. False
Using the sociological perspective, we would conclude that people's lives are mostly a result of what they decide to do A. True B. False
B. False
All of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology focus analysis at the macrolevel, examining whole societies, large-scale social structures, and social systems A. True B. False
B. False
Sociologist Talcott Parsons suggested that the division of household labor between husband and wife is one of the fundamental sources of conflict in industrialized societies A. True B. False
B. False
Using the knowledge you have obtained from this class so far, how would you explain the reason why suicide rates would be lower in New York than in Arizona? A. People are more isolated in New York B. Greater isolation among people in Arizona C. There are more men in Arizona and more men commit suicide D. There are more Jews in New York and Jews rarely commit suicide E. None of the above
B. Greater isolation among people in Arizona
Which of the following statements might be made by a sociologist using the gender-conflict approach? A. Men and women share in the joys of family life B. In many ways, men are in positions of power over women. C. Gender functions in an important way to keep society operating. D. All of these are correct
B. In many ways, men are in positions of power over women.
_____ is a way of understanding the world based on science A. Tradition B. Positivism C. Metaphysics D. Free will
B. Positivism
The social-conflict approach sometimes receives criticism for A. focusing on values that everyone shares. B. being openly political. C. promoting the status quo. D. All of these are correct
B. being openly political.
We would expect the sociological perspective to be MOST likely to develop in a place that was A. very traditional. B. experiencing many social changes. C. very poor. D. small and socially isolated
B. experiencing many social changes
Because there is more social isolation in rural areas of the United States than in urban areas, we would expect suicide rates to be A. higher in urban areas. B. higher in rural areas. C. high in both urban and rural areas. D. low in both urban and rural areas
B. higher in rural areas
A criticism of the symbolic-interaction approach is that it A. calls attention to major social institutions B. ignores the influence of factors such as culture, class, gender, and race C. paints a very positive picture of society D. says little about how individuals actually experience society
B. ignores the influence of factors such as culture, class, gender, and race
Which of the following is a criticism of the structural-functional approach? A. doesn't focus on social stability and unity B. incorrectly assumes that all social institutions function to benefit society C. not concerned with society's dysfunctions D. doesn't focus on the consequences of patterns for society as a whole
B. incorrectly assumes that all social institutions function to benefit society
Which of the following is the BEST example of a latent function of going to college? A. providing skills needed for later jobs B. keeping young people out of the labor force, which may not have jobs for them C. gaining the knowledge required to be an active and thoughtful citizen D. giving young people experience living on their own
B. keeping young people out of the labor force, which may not have jobs for them
Looking at the United States, high suicide rates are typical of areas in which people A. live densely packed in cities B. live spread apart in low-density areas C. have higher incomes D. live in a warmer climate
B. live spread apart in low-density areas.
By stating that the sociological perspective shows us "the strange in the familiar," the text argues that sociologists: A. focus on the bizarre elements of society. B. reject the familiar idea that people simply decide how to act in favor of the initially strange idea that society shapes our lives C. believe that people often behave in strange ways D. believe that even people who are most familiar to us have some very strange habits
B. reject the familiar idea that people simply decide how to act in favor of the initially strange idea that society shapes our lives
You are a sociologist who is interested in analyzing sports and notice that in the National Football League, players who play in certain positions tend to be predominantly from a particular racial group and tends to be paid differently from other players. Your view of the sport is most likely influenced by A. structural functionalism B. social conflict C. symbolic interactionism D. both 'A' and 'B'
B. social conflict
The "framework for building theory that sees society as an arena of inequality that generates conflict and change" is the A. structural-functional approach B. social-conflict approach C. symbolic-interaction approach D. tradition-based approach
B. social-conflict approach
What does the idea that the social world guides our actions and life choices just as the seasons influence activities and choice of clothing describe? A. the basis of what philosophy calls "free will" B. the essential wisdom of the discipline of sociology C. the fact that people everywhere have "common sense" D. the fact that people from countries all around the world make mostly identical choices about how to live
B. the essential wisdom of the discipline of sociology
Which of the following historical changes is among the factors that stimulated the development of sociology as a discipline? A. the founding of the Roman Catholic Church B. the rise of the industrial economy and growth of cities C. the power of tradition D. a belief that our future is defined by "fate"
B. the rise of the industrial economy and growth of cities
Based on what you have learned about sociology so far, which of the following statements BEST illustrates the career advantage a person gains by studying sociology? A. A researcher discovers a new and effective vaccine B.A police office understands which categories of people are at high risk of becoming crime victims C. A person in retail sales knows how to exceed the monthly sales target D. A financial services worker devises a new type of hedge fund
B.A police office understands which categories of people are at high risk of becoming crime victims
Which of the following statements BEST illustrates the career advantage a person gains by studying sociology? A. A researcher discovers a new and effective vaccine B. A person in retail sales knows how to exceed the monthly sales target C. A police officer understands which categories of people are at high risk of becoming crime victims D. A financial services worker devises a new type of hedge fund
C. A police officer understands which categories of people are at high risk of becoming crime victims
Based on information obtained from this class, how would Durkheim classify the death of a suicide bomber who detonates a bomb strapped on their waist close to a US Embassy and ends up killing themselves and several Americans as part of Jihad? A. Egoistic Suicide B. Anomic Suicide C. Altruistic Suicide D. Fatalistic Suicide
C. Altruistic Suicide
How would Durkheim classify the death of the U.S service man who lost his list after he jumped onto a grenade to save his four comrades? A. Egoistic suicide B. Anomic suicide C. Altruistic suicide D. Fatalistic suicide
C. Altruistic suicide
When did sociology become established as an academic discipline in the United States? A. during the Middle Ages B. about 1800 C. about 1900 D. about 2000
C. about 1900
Which of the following would be the focus of a social-conflict analysis of sports? A. the way in which sports help encourage competition B. the importance of physical ability in success C. how sports reflect social, economic, racial, and gender inequality D. the different meanings people attach to games
C. how sports reflect social, economic, racial, and gender inequality
Based on your understanding of the topic (class and reading), Emile Durkheim would argue that people with a higher suicide rate typically have A. more clinical depression. B. less money, power, and other resources. C. lower social integration. D. greater self-esteem.
C. lower social integration.
Which theoretical approach claims that it is not so much what people do that matters as much as what meaning they attach to their behavior? A. structural-functional approach B. social-conflict approach C. symbolic-interaction approach D. social-exchange approach
C. symbolic-interaction approach
Which of the following BEST describes the focus of the structural-functional approach? A. the meaning people attach to their behavior B. patterns of social inequality C. the functions of social institutions D. ways in which each person differs from all others
C. the functions of social institutions
When asked whether killing is good or bad, a sociology student responds that "it depends". This student's attitude towards killing is most likely shaped by A. social-conflict approach B. the structural-functional approach C. the symbolic-interaction approach D. both social conflict and structural functionalism
C. the symbolic-interaction approach
The major goal of sociology's pioneers, including Auguste Comte and Emile Durkheim, was A. to serve the powerful B. to help build an "ideal society" C. to discover how society actually operates D. to prevent disruptive social change
C. to discover how society actually operates
Examples of people applying their knowledge of sociology at work include people in A. law enforcement, understanding which categories of people are at high risk of becoming victims of crime B. medicine, understanding patterns of health in a community C. business, dealing with different categories of people D. All of the these are correct
D. All of the these are correct
Examples of people applying their knowledge of sociology at work include people in A. law enforcement, understanding which categories of people are at high risk of becoming victims of crime. B. medicine, understanding patterns of health in a community and why some people are at risk of some diseases than others. C. business, dealing with different categories of people. D. All of the these are correct.
D. All of the these are correct.
You get the news about your high school friend from Pakistan who ends up killing herself because her authoritarian father insisted that she marry a family friend who the parents had picked for her. Based on our class discussion, you would immediately suspect that this friend died from A. Egoistic suicide B. Anomic suicide C. Altruistic suicide D. Fatalistic suicide
D. Fatalistic suicide
Following the thinking of C. Wright Mills, we would expect the sociological imagination to be more widespread in a population A. during times of peace and prosperity. B. among the very rich. C. among very religious people. D. during times of social change. E. during times of stability.
D. during times of social change.
Peter Berger describes using the sociological perspective as seeing the ______ in the _______ A. good; worst tragedies B. new; old C. specific; general D. general; particular
D. general; particular
Sociology differs from the older discipline of philosophy by focusing on A. what the ideal society should be B. human nature C. the place of God in shaping human events D. how society actually operates
D. how society actually operates
Learning more sociology can help you to do all of the following EXCEPT A. assess the truth of "common sense" B.assess the opportunities and constraints in our lives C. be more active participants in society D. see how individuals guide their own lives through "free will"
D. see how individuals guide their own lives through "free will"
Karl Marx, speaking for the social-conflict approach, argued that the point of studying society was A. to understand how society really operates. B. to compare U.S. society to others. C. to foster support for a nation's government. D. to bring about greater social justice
D. to bring about greater social justice
Looking at the operation of U.S. schools, the social-conflict approach might lead a sociologist to conclude that A. the function of schools is to teach needed skills B. the meaning of schooling varies from child to child C. schools have been a major path to social advancement. D. tracking provides some students with far better schooling than others
D. tracking provides some students with far better schooling than others
Which of these early scientific thinkers first used the phrase "survival of the fittest" to explain his theory of society? a. Herbert Spencer b. Karl Marx c. Emile Durkheim d. Auguste Comte
a. Herbert Spencer
A central tenet of Karl Marx's view was his __________ a. belief that society must be changed b. emphasis on race and gender c. idea that sociology must be value free d. strong advocacy of stability and order
a. belief that society must be changed
In a study of homelessness in American society, __________ would emphasize the struggle between social classes, especially how the policies of the wealthy protect their interests while pushing certain groups into unemployment and homelessness a. conflict theorists b. functionalists c. symbolic interactionists d. postmodern theorists
a. conflict theorists
Tom works on the assembly line at the local Ford automobile factory. According to Marx, Tom would be considered a member of the __________ because he does not own the means of production a. proletariat class b. petite bourgeoisie c. laissez-faire class d. bourgeoisie
a. proletariat class
In the Marxian framework, the __________ consist of those who sell their labor because they have no other way to earn a living a. laissez-faire class b. bourgeoisie c. proletariat class d. capitalist class
b. bourgeoisie
In a study of education in the United States, __________ would look at the role the schools play in maintaining the social system as a whole; how education provides the young with skills they need later in life; and how education transmits cultural values from one generation to the next a. postmodern theorists b. functionalists c. conflict theorists d. symbolic interactionists
b. functionalists
When designing a study, the researcher considers the __________ to be the cause of the relationship or outcome a. control variable b. independent variable c. universal variable d. dependent variable
b. independent variable
In a study of education in the United States, __________ would emphasize the daily activities and the various forms of communication between teachers and students. They would also examine the influence of peer groups and look at the reaction when school rules are either broken or followed. a. postmodern theorists b. symbolic interactionists c. functionalists d. conflict theorists
b. symbolic interactionists
Age is a factor that can change and varies from person to person. Age is an example of a __________ a. hypothesis b. variable c. theory d. principle
b. variable
According to the __________ perspective, the classical theories have been unsuccessful in explaining social life in contemporary societies that are characterized by postindustrialization, consumerism, and global communications a. conflict b. symbolic interactionist c. postmodern d. functionalist
c. postmodern
According to the __________ perspective, society is the sum of the interactions of individuals and groups a. functionalist b. conflict c. symbolic interactionist d. postmodern
c. symbolic interactionist
According to the __________ perspective, groups in society are engaged in a continuous power struggle for control of scarce resources a. functionalist b. developmental c. interactionist d. conflict
d. conflict
Social-class pressures may affect rates of suicide among young people. This view is consistent with the __________ perspective a. symbolic interactionist b. postmodern c. functionalist d. conflict theory
d. conflict theory
A functionalist study has determined that __________ support was the most important factor in whether Air Force personnel experienced severe suicidal ideation a. appraisal b. companionship c. tangible d. esteem
d. esteem
Marx termed the tools, land, factories, and money for investment that form the economic basis of a society the __________ a. instruments of capitalism b. factory system c. trappings of the bourgeoisie d. means of production
d. means of production