Sociology Exam 1

True or False: Berger stated that sociology's purpose is "to perceive and judge people normatively."

False

Sociologists generally use either an inductive or a deductive approach in their research. A(n) ______ approach starts with empirical observations and works to form a theory A) Inductive B) Deductive

A) Inductive

Which of the following is defining of the discipline of sociology as distinct from other social sciences? A) Systematic, comparative approach to discovering in how society works B) Use of qualitative research methods, such as interviews and ethnography C) Generating a detailed understanding of a single case or historical event D) Emphasis on bettering the social world

A) Systematic, comparative approach to discovering in how society works

A group of children are playing a game called "telephone," in which one child whispers a message to another, who then passes it along, until the last child announces the message to the whole group. Usually, by the end, someone has misheard the message and changed it. Does the children's game of telephone count as media? A) Yes, because the game relays information B) Yes, but only if the message is fairly accurately conveyed C) No, because it is just a game D) No, because it must use technology to count as media

A) Yes, because the game relays information

Which of the following is an example of a quantitative research project? A) conducting a survey about how often people attend church B) interviewing people about the role of religion in their lives C) observing how people behave and interact with each other in a church setting D) participating in a weekly Bible study meeting for 12 months to understand its importancein people's lives

A) conducting a survey about how often people attend church

A variable that is thought to be influenced by another variable is known as the: A) dependent variable B) independent variable C) spurious variable D) key independent variable.

A) dependent variable

Sociology is the study of... A) human society B) ancient times C)human urges and drives D) market exchange relations

A) human society

"Social Physics" or "Positivism" is best defined as the: A) idea that we can scientifically and logically study social institutions and the individuals within them. B) effect of religion on social institutions and the individuals within them C) study of the symbolic interactions between social institutions and the individuals within them D) relationship between scientific and religious social institutions

A) idea that we can scientifically and logically study social institutions and the individuals within them

When one factor is said to influence another factor, it is called: A) correlation B) causality C) association D) mediation

B) causality

Much research is done on college campuses with college undergrads as research participants. This could be a problem for which of the following characteristics of good social research? A) reliability B) generalizability C) research ethics D) innumeracy

B) generalizability

Karl Marx argued that social institutions in a society were the result of the economic makeup of that society. Max Weber argued that: A) there are no social institutions in a society B) ideas influence society, not just economics C) Marx was correct D) the epistemological stage of that society influenced the social institutions

B) ideas influence society, not just economics

A social scientist is trying to understand the daily life of panhandlers. To conduct her study, she spends time hanging out with panhandlers on the streets of an urban city. What type of research is she conducting? A) content analysis B) participant observation C) historical D) survey

B) participant observation

A thermometer that consistently gives readings that are five degrees cooler than the actual temperature is A) valid but not reliable B) reliable but not valid C) neither reliable nor valid D) both reliable and valid

B) reliable but not valid

The Chicago School of American Sociology emphasized the importance of: A)the social and moral consequences of the division of labor B)the environment in shaping people's behavior and personalities C)heavy statistical research D)none of the above

B)the environment in shaping people's behavior and personalities

To truly understand why people act the way they do, we must understand the meanings they attach to their behavior. Max Weber called this: A)Anomie B)Functionalism C)Verstehen D)Positivism

C) Verstehen

Social identity is: A) a construct that no longer has meaning in the postmodern era B) a collection of social roles that a person might fill C) a way that individuals define themselves in relation to groups D) determined by the social group into which a person is born

C) a way that individuals define themselves in relation to groups

Elizabeth would like to conduct a study to determine how women define spousal abuse and the meanings they attach to their experiences. What research method will Elizabeth most likely use? A) quantitative B) inductive C) qualitative D) deductive

C) qualitative

A sociologist finds a strong relationship between education and income. If he only assumes that the amount of education people receive directly causes them to earn a certain income, and not that a family's income can determine educational attainment, he is forgetting to consider: A) luck B) correlation C) reverse causality D) deduction

C) reverse causality

In the film Pulp Fiction, two characters discuss how in Holland people put mayonnaise on their French fries instead of ketchup, which the textbook uses to illustrate the concept of: A) the sociology of film B) social institutions C) the sociological imagination D)Formal sociology

C) the sociological imagination

Which of the following factors is needed to establish causality? A) validity B) spuriousness C) time order D) the deductive approach

C) time order

According to Emile Durkheim, the division of labor in a society helps to determine: A)The sociological contribution of individuals B)The timing of the revolt of the proletariat C)The way social cohesion among individuals is maintained D)Linguistic patterns

C)The way social cohesion among individuals is maintained

Which of the following is an example of a study that might be undertaken by a macro sociologist? A) assessing how people choose where to sit on a public bus B) observing customers' responses to being greeted upon entering a store C) conducting a statistical analysis of when professional men and women choose to start families D) examining how men and women react to riding in an elevator with an infant

C)conducting a statistical analysis of when professional men and women choose to start families

Which of the following describes the deductive approach to research? A) A researcher makes empirical observations, and based on these observations, he or she develops a theory B) A researcher develops several hypotheses to explain a correlation he or she has observed between two factors. C) A researcher establishes causation and then develops a theory to explain it D) A researcher starts with a theory, forms a hypothesis, makes observations, and then analyzes the data to confirm, reject, or refine the original theory.

D) A researcher starts with a theory, forms a hypothesis, makes observations, and then analyzes the data to confirm, reject, or refine the original theory.

Which of the following is an example of a negative relationship? A) A diet high in fat greatly increases an individual's risk for obesity and other chronic diseases B) The less fat an individual consumes, the lower his or her risk of heart disease C) As nicotine consumption increases, the risk for cancer increases D) As the number of people vaccinated against measles increases, the occurrence of measles decreases.

D) As the number of people vaccinated against measles increases, the occurrence of measles decreases.

What is a moderating variable? A) a factor that is positioned between the independent and dependent variables but does not affect the relationship between them B) a factor that affects only the independent variable in a hypothesis C) a factor that can replace the dependent variable in a hypothesis D) a factor that affects the relationship between the independent and dependent variables

D) a factor that affects the relationship between the independent and dependent variables

Which of the following is an example of using one's sociological imagination? A) being in unfamiliar surroundings and imagining being in a more comfortable place B) creating different hypotheses to explain an individual's behavior C) creating a story to explain unfamiliar social customs D) being puzzled by how people in another country greet one another and then thinking about why they might do it that way

D) being puzzled by how people in another country greet one another and then thinking about why they might do it that way

If Kate begins her research with a theory, then forms hypotheses and makes some observations, what approach is she using? A) independent B) inductive C) dependent D) deductive

D) deductive

A sociologist is studying how the type of government influences the amount of torture that takes place in a country. In this study, torture is the A) hypothesis B) intervening variable C) independent variable D) dependent variable

D) dependent variable

In government, many social actors such as senators, legislative aides, and voters work together as a complex group of interdependent parts to influence society. Seen in this light, the government is a: A) sociological role B) figment of the sociological information C) society D) social institution

D) social institution

True or False: According to Berger, sociological insights could just as well be used for good as for evil.

True

True or False: Sociology is not about helping people, but about understanding how society works.

True

True or False: You need correlation to have causation.

True

Sandra is doing research to determine how common cheating is among students at Duke University. The student body at Duke will serve as her: a) dependent variable. b) random sample. c) population. d) hypothesis.

a) dependent variable. b) random sample. c) population. d) hypothesis.

Juanita is a graduate student studying male prisoners. She carefully considers how her gender, age, and education may affect the prisoners and their responses to her. Juanita is practicing: a) reflexivity b) content analysis c) comparative research d) informed consent

a) reflexivity

Rodrigo's boss asked him to work this weekend, but Rodrigo feels obligated to attend a family reunion and has to study for an exam. He is having trouble deciding which activity to let go. Rodrigo is experiencing: a)role conflict b)role strain c)status inconsistency d)status incompatibility

a) role conflict

The experience of internalizing a culture's norms, values, and the like is known as: a) socialization b) hegemony c) ideology d) reflection

a) socialization

A constraining process that forces one unit in a population to resemble other units that face the same set of environmental conditions. a)Isomorphism b)Organizational structure c)Social capital d)Organization

a)Isomorphism

Any social network that is defined by a common purpose and has a boundary between its membership and the rest of the social world. a)Organization b)Organizational structure c)Isomorphism d)Social capital

a)Organization

A group characterized by face-to-face interaction, a unifocalperspective, lack of formal arrangements or roles, and a certain level of equality. a)Small group b)Large group c)Party d)Reference group

a)Small group

Which of the following best describes the difference between the I and the me in George HerbertMead's theory? a)The I is one's sense of agency; the me is how we believe others see us b)The I is empathetic; the me is self-absorbed c)The I is how we believe others view us; the me is how we view ourselves d)The I wants to please others; the me wants to please the self.

a)The I is one's sense of agency; the me is how we believe others see us

Which of the following represents an ascribed status? a)an American of Japanese descent b)a high-school dropout c)a lawyer d)a sociology major

a)an American of Japanese descent

Which categories do sociologists use to distinguish between majority groups (greater power) and minority groups (lesser power)?a)in-groups and out-groups b)small and large groups c)primary and secondary groups d)inclusion and exclusion groups

a)in-groups and out-groups

Expectations that define appropriate or inappropriate behavior for the occupants of a particular status are called: a)roles b)identities c)folkways d)simple norms

a)roles

Emma is hoping to secure an internship with an engineering firm this summer. She's talked with friends and family, but they have not been able to provide her with any helpful contacts. Emma runs into her former aerobics instructor, whom she hasn't seen in several years, and her instructor offers to put her in contact with an engineering friend of hers. This is an example of what concept?a)strength of weak ties b)reference group c)embeddedness d)Tertius gaudens

a)strength of weak ties

A research approach that starts with empirical observations and then works to form a theory. a)Quantitative methods b)Deductive methods c)Inductive methods d)Qualitative methods

c)Inductive methods

One of the two main categories of culture that includes values, beliefs, norms, and behaviors is known as: a) subculture b) nonmaterial culture c) counterculture d) material culture

b) nonmaterial culture

Although some criticize rap music for its violent lyrics, many rappers defend it by saying it emerges directly from their experiences. Those rappers who make these claims are invoking: a)hegemony b)reflection theory c)a defense mechanism d)cultural lag

b) reflection theory

The sociological study of culture tells us that: a) the way our culture lives tends to be the most efficient b) there are many ways to view the same symbol c) most foreign cultures are primitive d) most cultures don't understand the meaning of morals

b) there are many ways to view the same symbol

The theory that various social institutions and processes in society exist to serve some important (or necessary) function to keep society running. a)Symbolic interactionism b)Functionalism c)Double consciousness d)Positivism

b)Functionalism

The ways in which power and authority are distributed within an organization. a)Organization b)Organizational structure c)Isomorphism d)Social capital

b)Organizational structure

Who defined the concept of cultural relativism? a)Horace Miner b)Ruth Benedict c)Eviatar Zerubavel d)Clifford Geertz

b)Ruth Benedict

Which of the following is true regarding social capital in the United States today? a)Social capital is increasing b)Social capital is decreasing c)Social capital is relatively the same as it was 30 years ago d)It is unclear how to measure social capital in contemporary society due to the increase in non place-based connections facilitated by the rise of internet communication.

b)Social capital is decreasing d)It is unclear how to measure social capital in contemporary society due to the increase in non place-based connections facilitated by the rise of internet communication

A structural hole is a)a weak tie in a social network that eventually breaks b)a gap between two people or two groups that have complementary resources and could benefit from having a closer connection c)a lack of social capital in a community d)a gap in the data collected as part of a network analysis.

b)a gap between two people or two groups that have complementary resources and could benefit from having a closer connection

Many Americans believe that shark attacks happen more frequently than they actually do. Assuming that this is due to the way these rare events are covered by the media, this would be considered: a)an intentional, long-term effect of the media b)an unintentional, long-term effect of the media c)an intentional, short-term effect of the media d)an unintentional, short-term effect of the media.

b)an unintentional, long-term effect of the media

If your professor asked you to do a breaching experiment, you might do which of the following? a)spend a day alone b)ask a stranger to tie your shoes c)tell your parents you are going over to a friend's house to study d)tell your best friend that there is something in his or her teeth

b)ask a stranger to tie your shoes

Jose goes to a training session for election volunteers in his precinct. There are 15 participants and two trainers. This is an example of which kind of group? a)party b)large group c)primary group d)small group

b)large group

According to Pugh's research, because low-income parents cannot give their children every toy and gadget they want, the parents engage in: a)symbolic deprivation b)symbolic indulgence c)deferred gratification d)symbolic consumerism.

b)symbolic indulgence

Organizational culture refers to: a)the embedded ties that connect members of a formal social network b)the shared beliefs and behaviors within a social group c)the ways in which power and authority are distributed within an organization d)whether an organization uses an autocratic or consultative decision-making process.

b)the shared beliefs and behaviors within a social group

Antonio Gramsci's concept for the historical process in which a dominant group exercises moral and intellectual leadership by voluntarily receiving the approval and consent of the masses is known as: a) socialization b) domination c) hegemony d) rebellion

c) hegemony

Crystal is camping in the woods with her dog and her friends. If she interprets her experience through a sociological lens, she will see culture in everything around her except for: a) the food b) her pet c) nature d) the nonverbal cues used by her friends

c) nature

__________ refers to the degree to which ties are reinforced through indirect paths within a social network. a)Isomorphism b)The strength of weak ties c)Embeddedness d)Connectivity

c)Embeddedness

A branch of sociology generally concerned with social dynamics at a higher level of analysis-that is, across the breadth of a society. a)Symbolic interaction b)Social construction c)Macrosociology d)Microsociology

c)Macrosociology

According to Charles Cooley's looking glass theory, which of the following statements is true? a)We should never concern ourselves with what others think of us b)Everything is socially constructed except for a person's true, inner self c)Our interpretations of how others see us are more important than the reality of how others see us d)The "I" internalizes other people's views; the "me" sees the self accurately

c)Our interpretations of how others see us are more important than the reality of how others see us

Groups marked by impersonal, instrumental relationships (those existing as a means to an end) a)Small group b)Large group c)Secondary group d)Primary group

c)Secondary group

According to Georg Simmel, which of the following groups is the most fragile? a)triad b)primary group c)dyad d)secondary group

c)dyad

One of the unique characteristics of a dyad is that: a)each member exerts supra-individual control over the other b)there is an inherent asymmetry to the relationship c)if one member of the group leaves, the group ceases to exist d)all of the above e)none of the above

c)if one member of the group leaves, the group ceases to exist

Sets of dyads held together by ties between the individuals are known as: a)triads b)primary groups c)social networks d)reference groups

c)social networks

Weak ties are valuable parts of a social network because: a)it is easier to sever them if a friendship doesn't blossom smoothly b)it is easier to exert power over those to whom we have such ties c)they are more likely to introduce us to new information and ideas d)we do not have to invest as much energy in maintaining them.

c)they are more likely to introduce us to new information and ideas

Which of the following is the main purpose of Miner's "Body Ritual Among the Nacirema" (McGann, p. 53)? a) To make us aware of the unusual practices of another culture as a way to illustrate cultural diversity. b) To use humor and reversal to illustrate the concepts of culture shock and cultural relativism. c) To show how beliefs about normality influence our interpretation of the practices and beliefs of other cultures. d) B & C

d) B & C

Which of the following is an example of material culture? a) Buddhist temple b) music website c) English garden d) all of the above

d) all of the above

After an exciting first week outside of the United States, the UD students studying abroad can sometimes start to feel exhausted, anxious, and confused. This is: a) cultural lag b) material culture c) code switching d) culture shock

d) culture shock

One major concern with restricted ownership of major media outlets is that: a) fewer entertainment options will be available b) the incentives for quality media programs will be increased as competition declines c) fewer people will be able to consume media products, threatening the industry's viability d) de facto censorship may occur because it becomes easier to suppress messages that media owners don't support

d) de facto censorship may occur because it becomes easier to suppress messages that media owners don't support

In the United States, six major companies, including Disney and Time Warner, own slightly more than______ percent of the media. a)30 b)75 c)60 d)90

d)90

A strain within sociology that believes the social world can be described and predicted by certain observable relationships (akin to a social physics). a)Symbolic interactionism b)Functionalism c)Double consciousness d)Positivism

d)Positivism

Sociological research methods that attempt to collect information about the social world that cannot be readily converted to numeric form. a)Quantitative methods b)Deductive methods c)Inductive methods d)Qualitative methods

d)Qualitative methods

A situation in which the researcher believes that A results in a change in B, but B, in fact, is causing A. a)Correlation or association b)Dependent variable c)Causality d)Reverse causality

d)Reverse causality

The ability to connect the most basic, intimate aspects of an individual's life to seemingly impersonal and remote historical forces. a)Verstehen b)Social institution c)Anomie d)Sociological imagination

d)Sociological imagination

Georg Simmel describes three basic forms of political relations a third party can assume when joininga dyad. Which was one of the roles discussed by Simmel? A third party who: a)is indifferent, neither benefiting from nor mediating conflict b)engages the dyad c)is victimized and hated by the dyad d)benefits from conflict

d)benefits from conflict

A classroom would not typically fall under Georg Simmel's classification of a small group because, unlike a typical classroom, a small group: a)cannot have more than five members b)is unifocal c)lacks face-to-face interaction d)lacks formal arrangements or roles

d)lacks formal arrangements or roles

You see an advertisement on television for a new flavor of iced latte from Starbucks. The next day, you see a Starbucks and decide to pop in and give it a try. This would be called a: a)long-term deliberate media effect b)long-term unintended media effect c)short-term unintended media effect d)short-term deliberate media effect

d)short-term deliberate media effect

When Max gets dressed, he looks at himself in a mirror and considers how people will see him. He isn't thinking of a specific person's reaction but rather that of people in general. This ability to imagine how society perceives the self is what Mead refers to as what? a)the eyes of society b)human nature c)the projected ego d)the generalized other

d)the generalized other