Socialogy Exam 1 Practice Test Questions

Structural functionalist theory is very concerned with the ways in which structures contribute to the stability of society. What is a structure? A. A social institution that is stable over time and helps meet the needs of society B. Any aspect of society that generates conflict or change C. A class hierarchy D. An informal agreement between people over a wide geographical area

A. A social institution that is stable over time and helps meet the needs of society

There is a close relationship between sociology and the other social sciences. Given how much overlap there is between these fields, why does sociology still exist as a discipline? A. All the other fields are more specialized, but sociology is a field that considers a huge intellectual territory. B. Sociology does not use historical context. C. Sociology departments are an academic tradition and would be difficult to disband. D. Political science and economics departments are much more politically conservative, so sociology is needed to provide a liberal counterbalance.

A. All the other fields are more specialized, but sociology is a field that considers a huge intellectual territory.

Sociology can be defined as the systematic and scientific study of human society and social behavior. Given this definition, which of the following levels of social structure best describes what sociologists might examine? A. Almost any level from interactions between two people to large-scale institutions. B. Mass culture and large institutions. C.Relations between individuals D. Large-scale social structures that involve significant numbers of people.

A. Almost any level from interactions between two people to large-scale institutions.

Survey research tends to produce quantitative data. One key advantage of this kind of data is that it: A. Is easy to transmit to the public. B. Includes observations and informal interviews. C. Allows the researcher to review the literature. D. Affords easy access to the norms, values, and meanings held by members of a group.

A. Is easy to transmit to the public.

Which of the following statements best characterizes micro sociology? A. It is an approach that examines interactions between individuals and the ways those interactions reflect larger patterns within a society. B. It is an approach that examines institutional interactions that occur over time. C. It is an approach that quantifies data about social structures so that they can be analyzed statistically. D. It is an approach that focuses exclusively on gender and power as they are enacted socially.

A. It is an approach that examines interactions between individuals and the ways those interactions reflect larger patterns within a society.

Many everyday cultural practices—such as greeting a friend, giving someone flowers, or using the thumbs-up sign—seem like natural ways of acting. Why does having an awareness of how these practices vary across cultures demonstrate a healthy sociological imagination? A. It reminds us that everyday interactions are connected to larger social structures. B. It helps us economically when we do business in different countries. C. It lets us understand how immigrants perceive America when they move here. D. It shows us that cultures are not as different as we sometimes think they are.

A. It reminds us that everyday interactions are connected to larger social structures.

Howard Becker said that sociology can best be understood as the study of people "doing things together." This definition reminds us that: A. Neither society nor the individual exists in isolation; each is dependent on the other. B. Sociology is only interested in the way people act, not in the way they think. C. Only large-scale interactions that involve many people can be understood by sociologists. D. Individuals exist independently of society and can be understood without considering social influence.

A. Neither society nor the individual exists in isolation; each is dependent on the other.

Durkheim theorized that the rapidly changing conditions of modern life lead to anomie. What is anomie? A. Normlessness, or a loss of connections to the social world B. Anger and disillusionment with progress C. The transfer of destructive urges to socially useful activities D. A kind of social solidarity based on interdependence

A. Normlessness, or a loss of connections to the social world

Which of the following theories views society as a whole unit, made up of interrelated parts that work together? A. Structural functionalism B. Conflict theory C. Symbolic interactionism D. Postmodernism

A. Structural functionalism

Which social theory focuses on micro-level interactions? A. Symbolic interactionism B. Structural functionalism C. Conflict theory D. Pragmatism

A. Symbolic interactionism

You want to conduct some sociological research on whether people on social networking sites are less likely to meet in person as a result of their online community participation. What is the next step in the scientific method? A. conduct a literature review B. form a hypothesis; give operational definitions to variables C. choose a research design or method D. collect data

A. conduct a literature review

What do you call broad theoretical models of the social or natural world? A. paradigms B. hypotheses C. interviews D. grounded theory

A. paradigms

Which of the following research techniques focuses on gaining an insider's perspective of the everyday lives of subjects under investigation, often dispelling stereotypes about the group being investigated? A. participant observation B. surveys C. analysis of existing data D. experiments

A. participant observation

The theory of symbolic interactionism was developed by: A. the Chicago School of sociology. B. the National Opinion Research Center. C. midcentury structural functionalists. D. Northwestern University.

A. the Chicago School of sociology.

You are doing a research project on the effects of contemporary media. If your hypothesis is that "watching violence on television causes an increase in violent behavior," then what are your variables? A. violence on television and violent behavior B. watching television, violence on television, and violent behavior C. violent behavior D. violence in the media

A. violence on television and violent behavior

Some Marxists believe that conflict between medieval burghers and small merchants on the one hand, and the nobility on the other, led to the creation of modern capitalism, which was distinct from either of the opposing forces. What would Marx call this model of historical change? A. A critical model B. A dialectical model C. A class consciousness model D. A nihilist model

B. A dialectical model

Lili is conducting a sociological research study on the underground music scene. She has just finished collecting data for the study. What is the next step Lili should take in the scientific method? A. Disseminate findings B. Analyze data C. Form a hypothesis; give operational definitions to variables D. Choose a research design or method

B. Analyze data

In Émile Durkheim's study Suicide, he reported that suicide rates went up when the economy slumped but they also increased when the economy boomed. Which of Durkheim's concepts explains why both positive and negative economic conditions could increase suicide rates? A. Alienation B. Anomie C. Mechanical solidarity D. Organic solidarity

B. Anomie

What was probably Harriet Martineau's most important contribution to the development of sociology as a discipline? A. Her theory of alienation. B. Her translation of the work of Auguste Comte into English. C. Her work on an early theory of symbolic interactionism. D. Her struggle for women's rights.

B. Her translation of the work of Auguste Comte into English

Which of the following is a latent function of the educational system in the United States? A. Teaching reading and writing B. Keeping children out of trouble while parents are at work C. Preparing a modern workforce to use technology D. Teaching new immigrants about American values and history

B. Keeping children out of trouble while parents are at work

Many Marxist sociologists assume that large-scale economic structures are the most important factors in people's lives. This assumption is an example of: A. Microsociology B. Macrosociology C. Qualitative sociology D. Conservative sociology

B. Macrosociology

According to Robert Merton, which of these statements about manifest functions is true? A. Manifest functions usually have something to do with social conflict and change. B. Manifest functions are intended and obvious. C. Manifest functions are designed to alleviate inequality. D. Manifest functions are designed to critique the social system that produced them.

B. Manifest functions are intended and obvious.

Why did C. Wright Mills think that it is important for everyone, even people who will never take a sociology class, to develop a sociological imagination? A. It will help generate more jobs for sociologists. B. Many people remain unaware of the intricate connections between the patterns of their own lives and the larger course of history. C. The sociological perspective is innately understood by nearly everyone, but we rarely acknowledge it. D. It will encourage growth in the field of microsociology.

B. Many people remain unaware of the intricate connections between the patterns of their own lives and the larger course of history.

Macro sociology and micro sociology approach the study of society from different perspectives. How does sociology, as a discipline, deal with these two very different approaches? A. Most sociologists are macrosociologists; microsociologists are only a small minority. B. Most sociologists think of these two perspectives as being on a continuum with each other, adopting whichever perspective seems most useful for a particular problem. C. Although the field is fairly evenly split between these two perspectives, almost all sociologists feel strongly that their perspective is the correct one. D. Microsociology used to dominate the field, but more recently macrosociology has become the dominant perspective.

B. Most sociologists think of these two perspectives as being on a continuum with each other, adopting whichever perspective seems most useful for a particular problem.

If the federal government conducts research on the value of checking batteries in home smoke detectors, what method will produce data that is easiest to transmit to many people? A. Ethnography B. Quantitative C. Qualitative D. Interviews

B. Quantitative

Émile Durkheim suggested that in traditional societies, people were bound together through mechanical solidarity. What was the basis of these sorts of bonds? A. Interdependence and the division of labor B. Shared traditions and similar experiences C. A strong ruler who exercised absolute control over the population D. Superstition

B. Shared traditions and similar experiences

According to C. Wright Mills, what one quality of mind do all great sociologists possess? A. Stoicism B. Sociological imagination C. Biographical imagination D. Attention to detail

B. Sociological imagination

Which of the following theories focuses on how our behaviors are dependent on the ways we interpret, make sense of, and define ourselves, others, and social situations? A. Conflict theory B. Symbolic interactionism C. Psychoanalysis D. Structural functionalism

B. Symbolic interactionism

If someone has no way to make money but to sell his own labor, then he must be a member of what social group? A. Bureaucrats B. The proletariat C. The bourgeoisie D. Capitalists

B. The proletariat

If someone has no way to make money but to sell his own labor, then he must be a member of what social group? A. Bureaucrats B. The proletariats C. The bourgeoisie D. Capitalists

B. The proletariats

Symbolic interactionism argues that people act toward things on the basis of their meaning. According to this perspective, how does meaning arise? A. They both see the economy as central to the functioning of society. B. They both seek to not only understand inequality but also to remedy it. C. They both see gender as the most important aspect of social identity. D. They both were developed at about the same time.

B. They both seek to not only understand inequality but also to remedy it.

Together and in groups, people organize their lives and their social interactions to produce a real and meaningful world. Sociologists can study this because: A. They are interested in all aspects of human psychology. B. We organize our lives in patterned ways. C. sociology understands the importance of human psychology. D. we often assign characteristics to an entire group of people based on experience with a single member of that group.

B. We organize our lives in patterned ways.

A paradigm shift is a major break in the assumptions that are used to understand the world. For social scientists, what causes a paradigm shift? A. the study of history B. new data forcing a new way of looking at the world C. religion and theology D. increased awareness of the current paradigm

B. new data forcing a new way of looking at the world

If a researcher has obtained informed consent from all his participants, it means that: A. they have all agreed to participate in the study for monetary compensation. B. they all understand the nature of the study and what will be asked of them. C. Their confidentiality has been guaranteed. D. they have all read the prior literature on the subject area.

B. they all understand the nature of the study and what will be asked of them.

What did Karl Marx think the lower classes needed to develop in order to end their oppression? A. A critical theory of gender B. A stronger sense of verstehen C. Class consciousness D. False consciousness

C. Class consciousness

Which of the following is an advantage of using ethnography to study social life? A. Ethnography is a quick and easy form of social science research B. Ethnography requires the researcher to spend little time gaining familiarity with the research subjects. C. Ethnography allows the researcher to gather abundant data on a small population. D. Ethnography requires no training since it is something we all do as human beings.

C. Ethnography allows the researcher to gather abundant data on a small population.

Which of the following is a DISADVANTAGE of using ethnography as a method of social research? A. Participants are self-selected. B. Participants are usually not completely candid when asked to describe their attitudes and behaviors. C. It is difficult for another researcher to repeat or replicate any particular ethnography. D. Ethnographies tend to have ethical problems that are of central concern to most sociologists.

C. It is difficult for another researcher to repeat or replicate any particular ethnography.

Harriet Martineau supported many ideas that were radical for her time, including: A. The liberation of French colonies in Africa. B. International communism and socialism. C. Labor unions and the abolition of slavery. D. The French Revolution and the abolition of the monarchy.

C. Labor unions and the abolition of slavery.

Some sociologists use a macrosociological approach, whereas others take a microsociological approach. How does this difference affect the ultimate goal of their research? A. Microsociologists care only about local concerns. B. Macrosociologists are much more likely to be worried about globalization. C. No matter what approach they take, all sociologists attempt to illuminate the connection between the individual and society. D. Regardless of which method they use, all sociologists tend to believe that individuals are ultimately in control of their own destiny.

C. No matter what approach they take, all sociologists attempt to illuminate the connection between the individual and society.

According to Karl Marx, the most important factor in social life is a person's: A. Race and ethnicity. B. Religious beliefs. C. Relationship to the means of production. D. Level of education.

C. Relationship to the means of production.

In the United States today, the richest 1 percent of Americans have 40 percent of the country's wealth. Karl Marx would call this: A. Alienation B. Bourgeoisie C. Social inequality D. Organic solidarity

C. Social inequality

What school of social theory believes that society is a stable system of structures, each of which contributes to the equilibrium of the whole? A. Symbolic interactionism B. Dramaturgy C. Structural Functionalism D. Conflict Theory

C. Structural Functionalism

The divorce rate has steadily increased over time, and now more than a quarter of all marriages end within the first four years. What sort of factors would C. Wright Mills suggest investigating to explain this increase? A. Religious factors B. Personal factors C. Structural factors D. Psychological factors

C. Structural factors

What is the sociological imagination? A. A property of society that ensures that people remain ignorant of the connections between their lives and social change. B. A particular way of understanding the criminal mind, such as that of a serial killer. C. The ability to understand the connections between biography and history, or the interplay of the self and the world. D. The sociological approach that assumes that individual decisions and interactions are independent of larger social institutions.

C. The ability to understand the connections between biography and history, or the interplay of the self and the world.

What is the scientific method? A. The use of statistics to analyze numerical data B. The study of scientific processes C. The standard proceduce for acquiring and verifying empirical knowledge D. the study of nature

C. The standard proceduce for acquiring and verifying empirical knowledge

Look at the graphic representation of sociology's family tree. Given that they were both very influential in the classical stage of sociological theory, why are Karl Marx and Émile Durkheim depicted so far apart? A. Marx's work is no longer considered very important. B. Émile Durkheim wasn't really a sociologist; he thought of himself as more of a psychologist. C. The theoretical schools they founded are very different. D. Durkheim was French, whereas Marx was born in Germany.

C. The theoretical schools they founded are very different.

Jane Addams was an early advocate of applied sociology. This means that she did not just do research, but that she also: A. Reported illegal activities to the proper authorities. B. Examined the historical origins of the phenomena she researched. C. Tried to address social problems through hands-on activity in the communities she researched. D. Compared the communities she studied to communities from other cultures.

C. Tried to address social problems through hands-on activity in the communities she researched.

Even though a small number of people have been trained academically as sociologists, we can all be described as "everyday sociologists" because.. A. Sociology is a part of human nature. B. Our parents taught unto be sociologist even before they sent us to school. C. We are all members of society and therefore we have a great deal of background knowledge about how society works. D. Sociologists are really just observers of conventional wisdom.

C. We are all members of society and therefore we have a great deal of background knowledge about how society works.

Which methodology most closely resembles the scientific method? A. ethnography B. surgery research C. experimental research D. interviews

C. experimental research

A closed-ended question is one that: A. allows for a wide variety of responses. B. encourages respondents to answer creatively. C. limits the possible responses. D. can only be answered orally.

C. limits the possible responses

If you observe a group in order to determine its norms, values, rules, and meanings, then what kind of research are you doing? A. normative B. quantitative C. qualitative D. natural science

C. qualitative

If a piece of sociological research is representative, it means that the: A. researcher has avoided any overt bias. B. research has been conducted systematically with the scientific method. C. smaller group of people studied can tell us something about a larger group. D. researcher avoided using any double-barreled questions.

C. smaller group of people studied can tell us something about a larger group.

What are the goals of ethnography? A. to develop quantitative data sets that allow researchers to discover correlations. B. to conduct interviews with people who have very different ways of life. C. to describe activités sociologists observe and to understand what those activities mean to the people involved. D. to develop ethics and standards for sociological research.

C. to describe activités sociologists observe and to understand what those activities mean to the people involved.

Max Weber believed that modern industrialized societies were characterized by which of the following institutions? A. Through a theoretical lens that emphasizes disenchantment and bureaucracy. B. From a value-free point of view. C. with verstehen understanding, which emphasizes the need for empathy with individuals' experiences. D. Through psychoanalysis and the work of Sigmund Freud.

C. with verstehen understanding, which emphasizes the need for empathy with individuals' experiences.

What is the term used to describe sociological research that is intended to solve social problems, such as the research done by Jane Addams? A. Practical sociology B. Postmodern sociology C. Moral sociology D. Applied sociology

D. Applied sociology

Sociology can be approached from both a microsociological and a macrosociological perspective. Which is more useful? A. The macrosociological perspective is more useful, because it explains how large-scale social institutions influence individuals. B. The microsociological perspective is more useful, because it explains how individuals shape and create large-scale social institutions. C. Both are useful in different ways, because any study that uses only one or the other will be unable to explain anything useful about society. D. Both are useful in different ways, because they each provide different types of information about the same object of study.

D. Both are useful in different ways, because they each provide different types of information about the same object of study.

What economic system emerged during the Industrial Revolution? A. Communism B. Humanitarianism C. Globalization D. Capitalism

D. Capitalism

Who coined the phrase "the survival of the fittest"? A. Charles Darwin B. Karl Marx C. Emile Durkheim D. Herbert Spencer

D. Herbert Spencer

What does Marx see as the primary tool for the oppression of the lower classes in modern society? A. The increasing power of the police state B. Religious authorities C. The aristocracy D. Industrial capitalism

D. Industrial Capitalism

The Egg McMuffin is a vastly more efficient version of eggs Benedict. Egg McMuffins are cheaper, are ready almost instantly at drive-through windows, and can be eaten with one hand while driving. However, they do not improve on the taste or the experience of eggs Benedict. Max Weber might have described the Egg McMuffin as the ________ of breakfast. A. Iron Cage B. Alienations C. Manifest Dysfunction D. Rationalization

D. Rationalization

According to Karl Marx, how is class consciousness, or revolutionary consciousness, developed? A. When a vanguard party leads a violent revolution B. Through a religious awakening C. When industrial production is perfected so that most of the workers are unemployed D. When the lower classes come to recognize how society works and challenge those in power

D. When the lower classes come to recognize how society works and challenge those in power

Sociologists who conduct interviews can only gather data from a limited number of people because: A. is impossible to find enough people through a random sample. B. researchers are only allowed to talk to people who are eighteen and older. C. it is extremely difficult to guarantee confidentiality to large groups. D. interviews are too time-consuming.

D. interviews are too time-consuming.

If you possess a sociological imagination and someone asks you to study unemployment rates in a city of fifty million people where fifteen million are unemployed, where should you start? A. You should consider the economic and political structures of the society. B. You should consider the work ethic of the average citizen. C. You should worry about the intelligence level of the workers who have lost their jobs. D. You should ask the people who are unemployed how much they want to work.

You should consider the economic and political structures of the society.