Intro to Sociology 101 Exam 1

Teacher, student, professional athlete, rock musician, and homeless person are socially defined positions characterized by certain expectations. These positions are examples of

statuses

George, a sociologist, believes that people change and maintain culture through their daily communication with others. He also believes that people reinterpret their values and norms to determine the appropriate behavior for a specific situation. In the context of the major sociological perspectives, George is most likely a

symbolic interactionist

Socialization is essential for the survival and stability of society. Which perspective on socialization and society does this statement reflect?

the functionalist perspective

In the context of George Herbert Mead's stages of self-development, children become concerned about the demands and expectations of others and of the larger society in

the game stage

Denver is a lawyer, a son, a husband, a part-time writer, and a citizen of the United States. All these positions make up his status set.

true

Even though the specifics of individual cultures vary widely, all cultures have four common nonmaterial cultural components: symbols, language, values, and norms.

true

Sociology is considered a systematic study because sociologists apply both theoretical perspectives and research methods to examinations of social behavior.

true

The extent to which a study or research instrument accurately measures what it is supposed to measure is known as its

validity

Informal norms or everyday customs that may be violated without serious consequences within a particular culture

Folkways

Which of the following terms refers to the social cohesion of preindustrial societies, in which there is minimal division of labor and people feel united by shared values and common social bonds?

Mechanical solidarity

Strongly held norms with moral and ethical connotations that may not be violated without serious consequences in a particular culture

Mores

Established rules or behavior or standards of conduct

Norms

Mikayla is told repeatedly that she is not a very good student. Eventually, she comes to believe it, puts in little effort in class, and receives a poor grade. This scenario illustrates the concept of

a self-fulfilling prophecy

In December, many Jewish families who live in the United States celebrate Hanukkah, the festival of lights. They serve special food and engage in activities unique to their religious faith. In this context, members of the Jewish faith in the United States most likely represent

a subculture

Students walking to class, shoppers in a department store, and people lined up to buy tickets are examples of

aggregates

An organizational model characterized by a hierarchy of authority, a clear division of labor, explicit rules and procedures, and impersonality in personnel matters is called a(n)

bureaucracy

Total institutions, such as boot camps, prisons, and some mental hospitals, are examples of

coercive organizations

Brian has developed a hypothesis that the stress felt by single parents increases the probability of child abuse. In this case, child abuse will be considered the

dependent variable

According to Erving Goffman, social interaction can be compared to a theatrical presentation in that an individual is an actor, observers are audiences, and interactions are guided by social scripts. The study of social interaction in this context is referred to as

dramaturgical analysis

Which of the following terms refers to the practice of judging all other cultures by one's own culture, assuming that one's own way of life is superior to all others?

ethnocentrism

Two researchers affiliated with different universities decided to study the Amish. The first researcher moved into an Amish community for six months and observed the behavior and activities of the residents of that community. The second researcher moved into an Amish community and lived there for four years, participating in the residents' daily lives during this period. In this context, unlike the first researcher, the second researcher conducted a(n)

ethnographic study

An example of quantitative research is a study in which researchers systematically analyze the content of the transcripts of personal interviews conducted with patients of breast cancer, whereas an example of qualitative research is a study in which researchers compare the rates of breast cancer among people of different ethnicities

false

Pastoral societies are based on technology that supports the cultivation of plants to provide food.

false

The leader of a work group has proposed a solution to a problem. Some group members believe that the solution will lead to negative results. However, instead of discussing their concerns, they decide not to challenge the leader's authority. The result is an unwise decision. This scenario exemplifies

groupthink

Which of the following statements best reflects the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis?

language shapes the view of reality of its speakers

Which of the following is composed of large-scale organizations that use print or electronic means (such as radio, television, film, and the Internet) to communicate with large numbers of people, to inform people about events, and to provide an array of viewpoints on current issues?

mass media

Sean is a member of The Artists, a theater club in his college. Despite performing well, his club has lost many theater competitions to Rendezvous, a rival theater club. As a result, Sean feels hostile toward the members of Rendezvous. In this context, Rendezvous is an example of a(n)

outgroup

Which of the following occurs when the expectations associated with a role are unclear?

role ambiguity

The family, religion, education, the economy, the government (politics), mass media, sports, science and medicine, and the military are examples of

social institutions

Who among the following managers is most likely an authoritarian leader?

Steve, who makes all major group decisions without asking for inputs from his team members and demands their compliance

Mores so strong that their violation is considered to be extremely offensive and even unmentionable

Taboos

Samantha, a teenager, has a 69-year-old grandmother who lives with her. Despite the fact that Samantha's grandmother is very active and flexible in her thoughts and ideas, Samantha always assumes that she is slow and rigid. As a result, Samantha refuses to go for walks with her and does not share any personal information with her because she assumes that her grandmother will not be able to understand her. This scenario exemplifies the concept of

ageism