SOC Ch. 3

Marriage ceremonies, educational programs, and religious doctrines are among the aspects of culture transmitted within a society through a)genetic structures. b)racial harmony. c)human interaction. d)biological inheritance.

c)human interaction.

Language helps build culture because it a)distances one country from another. b)increases personal misunderstandings. c)is the basis of all communication and cooperation. d)forces people to attend school to learn it.

c)is the basis of all communication and cooperation.

According to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, our perception of reality is shaped by a)intoxication. b)vision. c)language. d)art.

c)language

Cultural diffusion can occur through which of the following means? a)isolation b)biological evolution c)mass media d)tourism e)international business

c)mass media d)tourism e)international business

Giving a teammate a high-five following a winning game is one example of ______ communication. a)biological b)verbal c)nonverbal d)universal

c)nonverbal

Some linguists, both professional and amateur, have attempted to a)create new languages based on the fact that language is inflexible. b)the same across all human societies. c)socially constructed. d)ancient in nature.

c)socially constructed.

Human _____________, Correct Unavailable consists of everything humans create in establishing our relationships to nature and with each other

culture

Informal norms that govern everyday behavior are called a)folkways. b)sanctions. c)mandates. d)pathways.

a)folkways.

True or false: All members of a society can uniformly agree on what the society's values are. a)True b)False

b)False

A specialized language that distinguishes a subculture from the wider society is called a)a value. b)an argot. c)bilingualism. d)culture lag.

b)an argot.

The fact that the same action under different circumstances can cause one to be viewed either as a hero or a villain illustrates the reality that a)norms are theoretical principles that have little validity in the real world. b)even if norms do not conflict, there are exceptions to any norm. c)norms sometimes do conflict and that there are no exceptions to norms. d)some norms matter more than other norms.

b)even if norms do not conflict, there are exceptions to any norm.

The most basic component of cognitive culture is a)spirituality. b)language. c)technology. d)tool use.

b)language.

Which of the following are true of the three general categories or elements of culture? a)Each enables us to interact more effectively with the world around us. b)All three are socially constructed. c)Only one is in effect in a given society, determining the essential nature of that society. d)One of the three categories, arguably the most important, is language.

a)Each enables us to interact more effectively with the world around us. b)All three are socially constructed.

Which of the following are true of violating norms? a)It can lead to positive social change. b)It is likely to result in negative sanctions. c)It is always wrong to do so. d)It results in social disruption.

a)It can lead to positive social change. b)It is likely to result in negative sanctions. d)It results in social disruption.

Which of the following is true of our shared culture? a)Over time, we take it for granted. b)It is developed through interactions with others. c)It determines whether we are successful in life. d)It is defined by institutions of higher learning.

a)Over time, we take it for granted. b)It is developed through interactions with others.

Which of the following are true of following norms? a)The following of norms results in a perpetuation of the status quo. b)Following norms ensures we are always in the right. c)Following norms results in social disruption. d)Following norms provides order in our lives.

a)The following of norms results in a perpetuation of the status quo. d)Following norms provides order in our lives.

True or false: If a company's accountants improve the company's financial standing using questionable techniques, the accountants may be adhering to standards even if they are violating society's norms. a)True b)False

a)True

Which of the following demonstrate the fundamentally social nature of language? a)When learning a new language, we test our fluency through interactions with other speakers. b)Shared perception matters more than the actual sound or symbol used. c)All human cultures use language. d)Once established, the meaning of a word or symbol cannot be changed.

a)When learning a new language, we test our fluency through interactions with other speakers. b)Shared perception matters more than the actual sound or symbol used.

Material culture includes which of the following? a)buildings b)paper and spoons c)governmental systems d)religions

a)buildings b)paper and spoons

The culture we create is broken down into which general categories? a)cognitive culture b)material culture c)technological culture d)normative culture

a)cognitive culture b)material culture d)normative culture

The difference between the heavy fur clothing of Inuit tribes in northern Canada and the light clothing of rice farmers in Southeast Asia illustrates a)cultural variation. b)cultural relativism. c)socialization of values. d)dominant ideology.

a)cultural variation.

Among high school students, based on a recent study, 86 percent agree that cheating hurts one's character; but over 50 percent admit to cheating. This suggests that a)despite dominant school values, cheating is a normal part of student culture. b)today's students do not value cheating. c)shared values have no effect on individual actions in real-world situations. d)today's students do not value honesty.

a)despite dominant school values, cheating is a normal part of student culture

Because it is easy to take for granted the cultural practices of the society into which we are born, we are often surprised to find that other cultures a)have a different sense of what is right or wrong. b)view our mores and folkways as odd. c)have strange customs that seem normal to them. d)have no mores, folkways, or sanctions.

a)have a different sense of what is right or wrong. b)view our mores and folkways as odd. c)have strange customs that seem normal to them.

Researchers argue that an ______ type of relationship exists between genes and the environment. a)interdependent b)autonomous c)antagonistic d)independent

a)interdependent

A formal norm that is enforced by the state is called a a)law. b)folkway. c)taboo. d)belief.

a)law.

Based on the list offered by sociologist Robin Williams (1970), which of the following are generally considered to be basic values in the United States? a)material comfort b)veneration of ancestors c)progress d)democracy

a)material comfort c)progress d)democracy

Negative results of the growing divide between political subcultures in the United States include a)misperceptions in one subculture about another. b)declining values. c)reduced faith in a common culture shared by all. d)the increasing use of argots.

a)misperceptions in one subculture about another. c)reduced faith in a common culture shared by all.

Cultural lag can be defined as the a)principle that technological change occurs more quickly than our capacity to interpret and respond to it. b)loss of favor of some customs in a society. c)competition among religious and cultural institutions to define and address issues of culture, both material and nonmaterial. d)conflict among different social groups on cultural issues.

a)principle that technological change occurs more quickly than our capacity to interpret and respond to it.

One of the most successful invented languages is Esperanto, whose creator, Ludwik Zamenhof, believed that its spread would help to a)promote world peace. b)eliminate the need for schools. c)build a world government. d)train armies of allied forces.

a)promote world peace.

What aspect of Iraqi culture has been criticized by Westerners as nepotism but is actually an acceptable, even admirable, practice to the people of Iraq? a)the practice of favoring one's own kin in government and business dealings b)a willingness to abandon long-held traditions in favor of an American way of life c)the primacy of the common good over individual achievement d)the Iraqi people's unwillingness to learn English

a)the practice of favoring one's own kin in government and business dealings

According to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, a)the structure and vocabulary of the language we speak affects both our perception and our actions. b)using electronic devices greatly improves a person's vocabulary. c)it is impossible to learn a language after the age of fifteen. d)the sophistication of a language can be measured by how many words it includes to describe various colors.

a)the structure and vocabulary of the language we speak affects both our perception and our actions.

A parent who teaches a child to work hard, to be polite to others, and to be honest is transmitting cultural a)values. b)lags. c)predispositions. d)sanctions.

a)values.

On which of the following matters do Republicans and Democrats in the United States commonly differ? a)whether or not immigration is good b)whether to adhere to values c)how they identify their nationality d)whether policing is fair to all groups

a)whether or not immigration is good d)whether policing is fair to all groups

In the "nature versus nurture" debate, a)"nature" refers to the way human behavior is affected by animals and other environmental factors. b)"nature" refers to the way human behavior is affected by biology. c)"nurture" refers to the way human behavior is affected by nutritional concerns, including the possibility of starvation. d)"nurture" refers to the way human behavior is affected by other people.

b)"nature" refers to the way human behavior is affected by biology. d)"nurture" refers to the way human behavior is affected by other people.

When critics describe Walt Disney's work as an example of "American cultural imperialism," they are referring to the fact that a)Walt Disney was an ardent supporter of American expansionism. b)Disney movies often replace native cultural myths with modern fabricated versions. c)Disney movies invariably represent Americans as good and foreigners as bad. d)the assets of Disney's overseas operations make the company a potent international force.

b)Disney movies often replace native cultural myths with modern fabricated versions.

In a culture that views private property as a basic value, what might happen if someone is caught stealing or vandalizing private property? a)No sanctions will be imposed. b)Formal sanctions might be imposed. c)The behavior will be ignored. d)The thief or vandal would be rewarded.

b)Formal sanctions might be imposed.

Which of the following are true of how language shapes perceptions? a)Language reinforces negative associations with certain terms but is rarely able to establish positive associations. b)Gender-related language can imply that certain occupations can only be filled by males. c)The terms used for different colors in different cultures have the biological effect of blocking certain wavelengths from the retina. d)Language can transmit stereotypes related to race.

b)Gender-related language can imply that certain occupations can only be filled by males. d)Language can transmit stereotypes related to race.

How are informal norms different from formal norms? a)They usually lead to stricter punishments if broken. b)They are understood but not precisely recorded. c)They are written as official rules. d)They are more precise in defining behavior and punishments

b)They are understood but not precisely recorded.

Which of the following describes an aspect of the social construction of reality illuminated by "No Pants Subway Ride" days and similar events? a)Social conventions are meant to be violated. b)We are socialized to obey certain rules of behavior. c)Unlike culture, society is fixed and unchangeable. d)Social conventions act on the wider society rather than the individual.

b)We are socialized to obey certain rules of behavior

A society creates norms to establish standards of a)language. b)behavior. c)anatomy. d)gender.

b)behavior

Culture is the totality of learned, socially transmitted customs, knowledge, material objects, and a)globalization. b)behavior. c)ethnicity. d)geography.

b)behavior.

The model of world construction suggested by Berger and Luckmann includes which elements? a)constructing material b)constructing society c)constructing culture d)constructing the self

b)constructing society c)constructing culture d)constructing the self

Society consists of the structure of relationships that a)break so that people can raise families. b)create and share culture through social interaction. c)appear in the same form around the world. d)display irregular patterns of social interaction.

b)create and share culture through social interaction.

To the extent that Esperanto has succeeded, it has done so on much the same terms as a naturally evolved language, by a)gaining worldwide recognition through treaties and rulings in the courts of international justice. b)creating a community of shared participants. c)translating and publishing as much of the world's literature as possible. d)establishing an identity closely tied with an ethnic group and a land base.

b)creating a community of shared participants.

In the United States, people tend to share a deep, intense belief in concepts such as freedom, equality, morality, democracy, and humanitarianism. These beliefs are called a)ethnocentrism. b)cultural values. c)cultural variation. d)sociobiology.

b)cultural values.

Today the popularity of sushi in the United States and of Ford cars in China illustrates the rapidly expanding trend of globalization, a form of cultural a)folkways. b)diffusion. c)innovation. d)values.

b)diffusion.

Decoding the human genome is an example of which type of cultural innovation? a)invention b)discovery c)value d)diffusion

b)discovery

Based on the "World Construction" process outlined in the text, the first stage of the social construction of reality consists of a)individuals becoming themselves as a consequence of the socialization received from those around them. b)individuals creating and reproducing the material, cognitive, and normative culture needed to survive. c)an ordered and predictable world. d)individuals learning to make choices that reinforce existing relationships and expected behaviors.

b)individuals creating and reproducing the material, cognitive, and normative culture needed to survive.

In the past, biologically based claims were used to justify which of the following? a)the fact that more than half of college graduates are women b)inequality among social classes c)the malleable nature of personality d)an expectation that couples worldwide marry for love

b)inequality among social classes

Which of the following are clear examples of exceptions to basic norms in our culture? a)graffiti done by a group of graffiti artists who often work together b)killing another person in self-defense c)getting a pay raise for doing a good job d)taping a telephone conversation with a court order

b)killing another person in self-defense d)taping a telephone conversation with a court order

In the United States during the 1960s, a large counterculture developed that questioned materialistic values and did which of the following? a)supported military measures to stop communism b)promoted such humanistic values as love, peace, and coexistence with nature c)opposed U.S. military involvement in Vietnam d)encouraged the racial segregation of schools and institutions e)advocated full participation in mainstream social institutions

b)promoted such humanistic values as love, peace, and coexistence with nature c)opposed U.S. military involvement in Vietnam

A sanction could be a a)belief in a divine power in a religion. b)reward for behavior that upholds norms. c)behavior associated with a specific gender. d)penalty for behavior that violates norms.

b)reward for behavior that upholds norms. d)penalty for behavior that violates norms.

A traffic ticket for speeding, a referee's penalty against an athlete for cheating, and a disapproving look that a parent gives to a misbehaving child are all examples of a)norms. b)sanctions. c)nonverbal communication. d)values.

b)sanctions

According to Karl Marx, the dominant ideas in society a)spread the wealth among citizens. b)serve the interest of the ruling class. c)give power to the society's workers. d)contribute to equality among social classes.

b)serve the interest of the ruling class.

Shared culture influences human behavior through a "tool kit" of which of the following? a)chromosomes b)skills c)personality d)styles e)habits f)generations

b)skills d)styles e)habits

From a feminist perspective, which best describes how women are viewed and treated in a male-dominated society? a)superior to male counterparts b)subservient and inferior to male counterparts c)encouraged to challenge the assumptions of male counterparts d)equal to male counterparts

b)subservient and inferior to male counterparts

Which of the following are examples of nonverbal communication behavior? a)eating breakfast at home alone b)winking at someone c)giving someone the silent treatment d)glaring at someone e)yelling at someone

b)winking at someone c)giving someone the silent treatment d)glaring at someone

Which of the following are components of language? a)government regulations b)written characters c)speech d)folkways e)nonverbal gestures

b)written characters c)speech e)nonverbal gestures

______ norms are guidelines for behavior that people agree should be followed, while ______ norms are rules generated from actual behavior. a)Normative; folkway b)Principled; real c)Ideal; real d)Real; ideal

c)Ideal; real

On what basis have sociologists come to prioritize the significance of nurture? a)Our fates appear to be preprogrammed and subject to limited individual control. b)Research has revealed that genetics has no effect on how individuals turn out. c)Research has revealed significant variation in how humans think and act. d)Studies of human biology show that certain human races are less capable of intelligence.

c)Research has revealed significant variation in how humans think and act.

A pay raise for an employee who is doing a good job is an example of a)a negative sanction. b)an individual value. c)a positive sanction. d)an informal sanction.

c)a positive sanction.

A list of cultural universals would include such practices as division of labor, funeral rites, and a)Christianity. b)the meaning of holding hands. c)athletic sports. d)marrying for love.

c)athletic sports.

Within the scientific community there has been growing support for the idea of gene-culture a)conflict. b)theories. c)coevolution. d)questions.

c)coevolution.

In practice, globalization has led to ______, a process in which affluent nations affect developing nations. a)political domination b)gradual development c)cultural domination d)gradual replacement

c)cultural domination

Nonmaterial culture includes a)objects, tools, and technology. b)factories, offices, and houses. c)customs, beliefs, and values. d)the physical and technical aspects of daily life.

c)customs, beliefs, and values.

Human cultures expand and generational change occurs due to innovation and a)downsizing. b)sanctions. c)diffusion. d)relocation.

c)diffusion.

Whereas ______ involves revealing the existence of an aspect of reality, ______ results when existing cultural items are combined into a form that did not exist before. a)marketing; discovery b)invention; discovery c)discovery; invention d)discovery; marketing

c)discovery; invention

Changing state and federal laws demonstrate a change of long-standing a)individual values. b)generational gaps. c)societal norms. d)cultural lags.

c)societal norms.

Indian call center workers who deal with Western customers and who adopt the dress, language, holidays, and other customs of Westerners are an example of a a)counterculture. b)subcaste. c)subculture. d)caste.

c)subculture.

Material culture includes a)customs and patterns of communication. b)religion, language, and funeral rites. c)the physical and technical aspects of daily life. d)discoveries, philosophies, and government.

c)the physical and technical aspects of daily life.

Suppose a corporation's accounting department improves the company's financial statements by using techniques that violate society's norms. How can this behavior be explained in terms of normative culture? a)It is better for the company in the long run. b)Every other business does the same thing, so it is all right. c)It is fine as long as the company does not get caught. d)It adheres to the norms of a particular group.

d)It adheres to the norms of a particular group.

How has the top value among first-year college students in the United States changed over the past five decades? a)It has broadened from personal financial health to a healthy economy. b)It remains unchanged; college students most value being able to raise a family. c)It has flipped, from an emphasis on personal philosophy to an emphasis on helping others. d)It has flipped, from an emphasis on personal philosophy to an emphasis on personal finances

d)It has flipped, from an emphasis on personal philosophy to an emphasis on personal finances

Which of the following describes an aspect of the social construction of reality illuminated by "No Pants Subway Ride" days and similar events? a)Unlike culture, society is fixed and unchangeable. b)Social conventions are meant to be violated. c)Social conventions act on the wider society rather than the individual. d)We are socialized to obey certain rules of behavior.

d)We are socialized to obey certain rules of behavior.

Mores are norms that a)are commonplace and have little impact. b)are unimportant to the welfare of a society. c)reinforce male dominance. d)are considered necessary to the welfare of a society.

d)are considered necessary to the welfare of a society.

Nonverbal communication behavior, including the meaning of hand signals and various body movements, a)is universal from culture to culture. b)is not used in most cultures. c)remains largely the same from culture to culture. d)differs from culture to culture.

d)differs from culture to culture.

The two main forms of innovation are ______ and ______. a)adaptation; invention b)adaptation; discovery c)discovery; extrapolation d)discovery; invention

d)discovery; invention

Norms are categorized as ideal or real on the basis of a)their centrality to society. b)levels of formality. c)whether they are normative. d)expected adherence.

d)expected adherence.

One example of changing norms in U.S. culture is the a)legal segregation of races in public schools. b)decreasing acceptance of single parents. c)continued prohibition of marriage between people of different racial groups. d)formal recognition of marriage as a right for same-sex couples.

d)formal recognition of marriage as a right for same-sex couples.

Critics often point to the fact that people in developing nations might lose their traditional values, forms of dress, and native language and begin to identify with the culture of more dominant nations due to a)ethnocentrism. b)balkanization. c)cultural relativism. d)globalization.

d)globalization.

Sociologists recognize discovery and invention as two forms of cultural a)revitalization. b)stabilization. c)destruction. d)innovation.

d)innovation.

One major sociological reason behind the fact that few invented languages have succeeded is that a)people who have grown up speaking one language will not readily switch to speaking another. b)most have involved complicated grammar, including up to seven tenses and as many as twelve cases. c)many groups of people have refused to adopt them for political reasons. d)language is a community endeavor built up over generations of shared experiences.

d)language is a community endeavor built up over generations of shared experiences.

New terms such as Latinx and hangry illustrate how a)sounds are inherently linked to written symbols. b)language does not rely on social interaction. c)dictionaries do not recognize new words. d)language is often modified to suit our needs.

d)language is often modified to suit our needs.

If you think someone next door is in trouble and you are contemplating intervening, this may be an example of a conflict between helping your neighbor and minding your own business. This a)would be an example of a conflict of situations. b)personalities. c)societies. d)norms.

d)norms.

Sociobiology is the systematic study of how biology affects human a)anatomy. b)genetics. c)shelter building. d)social behavior.

d)social behavior.

Innovation is best defined as a)the creation of technological solutions to societal problems. b)the process of participating in ritual and ceremony. c)recounting a long-known aspect of reality. d)the process of introducing a new idea or object to a culture.

d)the process of introducing a new idea or object to a culture.

The phrase coined to describe how individuals both create society through our actions and become products of that society is a)cultural relativism. b)social innovation and discovery. c)constructing culture. d)the social construction of reality.

d)the social construction of reality.

When sociologists speak of norms, they are referring to a)their own interpretation of right and wrong behavior. b)how different societies use different forms of nonverbal communication. c)the unchanging code of nonverbal communication in a culture. d)the standards of behavior that are established and maintained by a society.

d)the standards of behavior that are established and maintained by a society.

Tattoos in the early 1900s were not as common among educated, middle-class Americans as they are today. Tattoos are also more common among certain subcultures than others. This illustrates the fact that culture a)is not concerned with matters of right and wrong. b)defined solely by the fashions of the day. c)is imposed. d)varies across time and place.

d)varies across time and place.

Linguist Suzette Haden Elgin invented a new language because she contended that all the existing human languages a)were far too difficult to learn. b)lacked consistency in spelling, grammar, and the conjugation of verb tenses. c)were based on ancient languages invented by tribes of cruel people who enjoyed war and lacked compassion. d)were skewed toward males and therefore could not express the perceptions of women.

d)were skewed toward males and therefore could not express the perceptions of women.

The third element of culture,________________ langage, Incorrect Unavailable culture, consists of the way we establish, abide by, and enforce principles of conduct.

normative

Which of the following statements about the concept of cultural universals is correct? a)All cultures worldwide have certain types of practices in common. b)Societies do not differ fundamentally from country to country. c)Certain common words are used for color in every language. d)All societies view relationships with relatives and friends in the same way.

a)All cultures worldwide have certain types of practices in common.

Cognitive culture consists of a)values, beliefs, knowledge, and other ideas. b)the tools we create from natural resources to accomplish practical ends. c)various ways we establish and enforce principles of conduct. d)our mental and symbolic representations of reality.

a)values, beliefs, knowledge, and other ideas. d)our mental and symbolic representations of reality.