Sociology 120

Q: C. Wright Mills advocated the use of the sociological imagination to view divorce in the United States because divorce

is not just an individual\'s personal problem but a societal concern.

question

Anomie refers to a

answer

loss of direction that is felt in a society when social control of individual behavior has become ineffective.

question

A social scientist would be likely to study the

answer

reasons for the decreasing divorce rate in the U.S.

question

According to the functionalist perspective, an aspect of social life would be passed on from one generation to the next if it

answer

promotes value consensus among members of a society.

question

A key element in the sociological imagination is the ability to view one's own society

answer

as an outsider

question

In Karl Marx's analysis, society was fundamentally divided between

answer

economic classes that clash in pursuit of their own class interests.

question

C. Wright Mills advocated the use of the sociological imagination to view divorce in the United States because divorce

answer

is not just an individual's personal problem but a societal concern.

question

Sociology, anthropology, economics, and history study various aspects of human society and are therefore considered

answer

social sciences

question

Children who experience divorce in their family are more likely to experience divorce themselves when they are adults. This could be considered an example of a

answer

dysfunction of families

question

Inequality, capitalism, and stratification are key concepts of which theoretical perspective?

answer

conflict perspective

question

An ideal type is a(n)

answer

construct or model that serves as a measuring rod against which actual cases can be evaluated.

question

Émile Durkheim's study of suicide related suicide rates to

answer

the extent to which people were integrated into the group life of a society.

question

An element or a process of society that may actually disrupt a social system or lead to a decrease in stability is known as a

answer

dysfunction

question

Critics of television often suggest that executives of major television networks and movie corporations are wealthy White males who decide which programs or movies will be produced and which directors and actors will obtain jobs in the industry. This analysis reflects the

answer

conflict perspective

question

Émile Durkheim is known for his classic sociological study of

answer

suicide

question

Contemporary conflict theorists are concerned with the conflict between

answer

All of these answers are correct.

question

The scientific study of social behavior and human groups is known as

answer

sociology

question

The awareness that allows people to comprehend the link between their immediate, personal social settings and the remote, impersonal social world is called

answer

the sociological imagination

question

In examining any aspect of society, which sociological perspective emphasizes the contribution that aspect makes to overall social stability?

answer

functionalist perspective

question

In The Communist Manifesto, Marx argued that the working class must

answer

overthrow the existing class system of capitalist societies

question

A condition in which members of society have differing amounts of wealth, prestige, or power is referred to as

answer

social inequality

question

Researchers find that pet owners live longer, healthier lives. Within this study, pet ownership is the

answer

independent variable

question

Validity refers to

answer

the accurate measurement of the phenomenon under study.

question

Regina wants to study the homeless in her hometown. In order to do so, she lives at a homeless shelter for a month. During this time, she does everything that the women she is studying does and tells no one of her true identity. This method would be

answer

participant observation.

question

A speculative statement about the relationship between two or more variables is known as a

answer

hypothesis

question

A research design is a(n)

answer

detailed plan or method for scientifically obtaining data.

question

Income, religion, race, gender, and marital status can all be examples of

answer

variables

question

A factor held constant to test the relative impact of the independent variable is known as a

answer

control variable

question

In which type of sample does each member of the entire population being studied have the same chance of being selected?

answer

random sample

question

A study, generally in the form of an interview or a questionnaire, that provides sociologists with information concerning how people think or act is known as

answer

a survey

question

In an experiment, the group that is not exposed to the independent variable is called the

answer

control group

question

An artificially created situation that allows the researcher to manipulate variables and to introduce control variables is known as a(n)

answer

experiment

question

A research measure that provides consistent results is considered

answer

reliable

question

What sociological perspective would most likely suggest that educational inequalities are purposeful and set up to reinforce the position of those in power?

answer

conflict perspective

question

If researchers wanted to examine the opinions of people listed in a city directory, they might call every tenth or fiftieth or hundredth name listed. This would constitute a

answer

random sample

question

"Data indicate that people who prefer to watch televised news programs are less knowledgeable than those who read newspapers and news-magazines." This statement is an example of a(n)

answer

correlation

question

When a researcher collects information about a group through direct involvement and inspection, this is known as

answer

observation

question

Ethnography is the most common form of ________ research, which relies on what is seen in the field and in naturalistic settings more than it does on statistical data.

answer

qualitative

question

Secondary analysis includes a variety of research techniques that use

answer

publicly accessible information and data, or data collected by another

question

People may behave differently in artificial situations than they would in the "real world." This poses a particular problem for researchers using

answer

laboratory experiments

question

A variable is

answer

a measurable trait or characteristic that is subject to change under different conditions.

question

Diffusion is the

answer

process by which a cultural item is spread from group to group or society to society.

question

An American traveling abroad observes locals eating chocolate covered crickets. She expresses disgust to her traveling companions. She is exhibiting

answer

ethnocentrism

question

Collective conceptions of what is considered good, desirable, and proper, as well as bad, undesirable, and improper, are known as

answer

values

question

A worker is frequently late, takes extended "coffee breaks," and makes numerous mistakes while working on important tasks. As a result of poor performance, the worker is fired. This is an example of

answer

a sanction

question

In American society, we often formalize norms into

answer

laws

question

A subculture is

answer

a segment of society that shares a distinctive pattern of mores, folkways, and values that differs from the larger group.

question

A U.S. sociologist receives a grant to study racial and religious prejudice among the people of southeast Asia. The sociologist makes a serious and unbiased effort to evaluate the norms, values, and customs of these groups in light of the distinctive cultures of which they are a part. This is an example of

answer

cultural relativism

question

Ethnocentrism is the tendency to assume that one's own culture and way of life represent the norm or are superior to all others. Therefore, ethnocentrism fosters cohesion in a group. This observation would best reflect which sociological perspective?

answer

functionalist perspective

question

Facing forward in an elevator can be considered a(n)

answer

informal norm

question

A basketball arena, an airliner, a slice of pizza, and a television set can all be considered examples of

answer

material culture

question

George Ritzer's concept of "the McDonaldization of society" refers to the

answer

domination of numerous sectors of societies throughout the world by principles initially used by fast-food restaurants.

question

A society is

answer

a fairly large number of people who live in the same territory, are relatively independent of people outside it, and participate in a common culture.

question

A law is

answer

a form of governmental social control

question

"Attacks on bilingualism represent an ethnocentric point of view." This statement best reflects the views of which sociological perspective?

answer

conflict perspective

question

According to Robin Williams, which of the following is NOT among the basic American values?

answer

frugality

question

A hypothesis concerning the role of languages in shaping cultures was created by linguist(s)

answer

Edward Sapir and Benjamin Whorf.

question

A dominant ideology

answer

a set of cultural beliefs that help to maintain powerful social, economic, and political interests

question

An abstract system of word meanings and symbols for all aspects of culture is called

answer

language

question

Communism, the Episcopalian religion, and the microwave oven are all examples of

answer

invention

question

A member of a rural Indian tribe in Central America who is suddenly taken to a large city, such as Mexico City, will probably experience

answer

culture shock

question

A young girl decides that she wants to become an Olympic swimmer. She takes swimming lessons, joins her school's swimming team, reads magazine articles about champion swimmers, and goes to swimming meets at a nearby college. This is an example of

answer

anticipatory socialization

question

Anticipatory socialization refers to

answer

processes of socialization in which a person "rehearses" for future positions, occupations, and social relationships.

question

According to the concept of the looking-glass self, development of one's self-identity based on misperceptions may lead t

answer

a negative self-identity

question

The self is the

answer

distinct identity that sets us apart from others.

question

As children grow older, their peer groups become more and more important relative to the influence of

answer

the family

question

Gender roles

answer

expectations regarding the proper behavior, attitudes, and activities of males and females.

question

Which of the following is the definition of Erving Goffman's concept of "face-work"?

answer

people's efforts to maintain a proper image and avoid embarrassment in public

question

George Herbert Mead suggested that the self is

answer

continually developing and changing.

question

Allison is playing in a high school field hockey game and passes the ball to Erika, who appears to have a scoring opportunity. Allison's pass suggests that she is aware of her role as a member of a team and that she is now in which stage of development, according to George Herbert Mead?

answer

the game stage

question

Which of the following is considered a total institution?

answer

a mental hospital

question

The relative importance of cultural and biological factors in the socialization process is referred to as the debate over

answer

nature versus nurture

question

Bob is on his first date with Mary, whom he really likes. He tries to act in a manner that will cause her to like him, too, and to want to go out with him again. This is an example of

answer

impression management

question

In forming a sense of ourselves, we imagine how we appear to others and how others perceive us, and finally we develop a feeling about ourselves as a result of these impressions. This sociological approach to the development of a self represents the views of which sociological perspective?

answer

interactionist perspective

question

Which of the following is an example of a symbol?

answer

a hug, a Coca-Cola bottle, a frown

question

The dramaturgical approach is

answer

a view of social interaction in which people are seen as theatrical performers.

question

Gestures and words that form the basis of human communication are known as

answer

symbols

question

A teacher plans a trip to the theater for a junior high school class. As part of the preparation, the teacher tells students how they should dress and how they will be expected to act inside the theater. This is an example of

answer

socialization

question

As primary agents of childhood socialization, schools play a critical role in teaching children the values and customs of the larger society. This view of the socialization process is most likely of particular interest to which sociological perspective?

answer

functionalist perspective

question

Charles Horton Cooley is responsible for developing the concept of

answer

the looking-glass self

question

A retirement party, a high-school graduation party, and a confirmation party are all examples of

answer

rites of passage

question

How many prime-time series out of nearly sixty—aired in recent years—did researchers find focused on minority performers?

answer

2

question

Realistic portrayals of minorities and working-class persons tend to be ignored by mass media decision-makers primarily because

answer

most decisions are made overwhelmingly by wealthy White males.

question

Which of the following have sociologists suggested is a dysfunction of the mass media?

answer

having a narcotizing effect

question

The function of media advertising is to support the economy, provide information about products, and underwrite media costs associated with

answer

promotion of consumption

question

Magazines would be considered

answer

mass media

question

Which of the following would have the greatest impact in terms of reaffirming social norms of proper behavior?

answer

watching a televised execution of a mass murderer

question

Which sociological perspective is most likely to be concerned with television distorting gender roles and stereotyping, often rooted in the media's willingness to promote more traditional views?

answer

feminist perspective

question

People, organizations, and public issues appearing regularly on the covers of prominent magazines is a method used to

answer

confer status

question

Which of the following is considered one way the media reaffirm proper behavior in society?

answer

movie and TV scenes showing criminals getting caught by authorities

question

Which sociological perspective would be most likely to focus on the functions of the mass media in conferring status on people, organizations, and public issues?

answer

functionalist perspective

question

The creation of unreliable generalizations that distort the reality of persons, groups, and cultures is indicative of

answer

stereotyping

question

In the U.S., one out of every four women is considered obese. How many characters are portrayed as obese on television?

answer

3 out 100

question

Which medium experiences the least amount of gatekeeping?

answer

the Internet

question

What is the term used for the set of cultural beliefs and practices that helps to maintain powerful social, economic, and political interests?

answer

the dominant ideology

question

The U.S. government was heavily criticized for which of the following media monitoring behaviors after the September 11, 2001, attacks?

answer

authorizing wiretaps of U.S. citizens' telephone conversations

question

Which sociological perspective would be most likely to focus on gatekeeping as a process that reflects a desire to maximize profits by those with power and authority?

answer

conflict perspective

question

Which sociological perspective is more likely to study the media's influence on society from the micro level to determine how social behavior is shaped?

answer

interactionist perspective

question

Which of the following would the functionalist perspective most likely view as creating the greatest collective experience?

answer

the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001

question

The process by which a relatively small number of people control what eventually reaches the audience is referred to as

answer

gatekeeping

question

Which of the following would be an example of cyberbullying?

answer

sending a photo of a friend drunk, cheating, or nude to others

question

In Émile Durkheim's view,

answer

the punishments established within a culture help to define acceptable behavior and thus contribute to social stability.

question

Obedience refers to

answer

compliance with higher authorities in a hierarchical structure.

question

A sociologist studies how a teacher's attitudes toward particular students affects students' performance. Students of similar abilities who are "teacher's pets" perform at a high level, and students who are viewed as "troublemakers" perform poorly. This illustrates which explanation of deviance?

answer

labeling theory

question

Deviance is behavior that

answer

violates the standards of conduct or expectations of a group or society.

question

Social control carried out casually by people through such means as laughter, smiles, and ridicule is known as

answer

informal social control

question

Sanctions are defined as

answer

penalties and rewards for conduct concerning a social norm.

question

Social control carried out by authorized agents—such as police officers, judges, school administrators, and employers—is called

answer

formal social control

question

According to Robert Merton, members of revolutionary political organizations such as the Irish Republican Army would typically be classified as

answer

rebels

question

The term social control refers to

answer

techniques and strategies for preventing deviant human behavior in any society.

question

Crime is a violation of

answer

criminal law for which formal penalties are applied by some governmental authority.

question

Independent analysis has revealed which of the following regarding white-collar crime in the United States?

answer

The number of cases prosecuted increased only modestly between 2000 to 2009.

question

According to Robert Merton, an innovator is an individual who has

answer

accepted the goals of society, but pursues them with means regarded as improper

question

An individual being imprisoned for murder is an example of a(n)

answer

formal sanction

question

Control theory states that we

answer

are bonded to our family members, friends, and peers in a way that leads us to follow the mores and folkways of our society.

question

Jennifer is attending a business luncheon with several corporate executives. At one point during the meal, she reaches in front of another executive for a saltshaker and hits the executive's arm as he is about to put a spoonful of soup in his mouth. The soup spills on his shirt, and he glares at Jennifer. The glare is an example of a(n)

answer

informal sanction

question

According to crime statistics, hate crime focus most frequently on which of the following?

answer

race

question

According to a study by Stanley Milgram, individuals will

answer

obey the commands of people viewed as legitimate authority figures, even if the behavior may harm another individual.

question

According to Robert Merton, a retreatist is an individual who has

answer

withdrawn from the goals and means of society.

question

An important tenet of labeling theory is the recognition that some individuals or groups have the power to define labels and apply them to others. This view shares the emphasis on the social significance of power as purported by the

answer

conflict perspective

question

Arnold gets an "A" on his organic chemistry exam because he copies most of his answers from Stanley, the "class brain" who is sitting next to him. According to Merton's anomie theory of deviance, Arnold would be classified as a(n)

answer

innovator

question

An inner-city youth spends many hours in the neighborhood playground shooting baskets on the basketball court and engaging in every game that he can play. His skills become outstanding, and he receives a college scholarship and then signs a lucrative contract to play in the National Basketball Association. This is an example of

answer

vertical mobility

question

An 83-year-old woman is placed at a small table in a dark corner of a trendy nightclub and is ignored by the staff. Her shoddy treatment is probably due to her age, which is a(n) ________ status.

answer

ascribed

question

A class system employs a social ranking based primarily on

answer

economic position

question

Gerhard Lenski argues that social inequality may have once served the overall purposes of society, but the degree of social and economic inequality that now exists far exceeds the need to provide for goods and services. This facet of Lenski's analysis is consistent with which perspective?

answer

conflict perspective

question

Prestige refers to the

answer

respect and admiration with which an occupation is regarded by society.

question

The fact that an unemployed coal miner in Appalachia has a higher standard of living than a doctor in Congo illustrates the idea that

answer

poverty is relative

question

A condition in which members of a society have different amounts of wealth, prestige, or power is called

answer

social inequality

question

Karl Marx used the concept of class consciousness to refer to

answer

a subjective awareness held by members of a class regarding their common vested interests and the need for collective political action to bring about social change.

question

Some analysts suggest that inner-city riots have frequently occurred when poor people realize that their chances of climbing out of poverty are unlikely because of the structure of our social system. Their frustration is based on their perception that they are living in a(n)

answer

closed stratification system

question

In Max Weber's view,

answer

people hold three distinct ranks in society

question

Karl Marx used the term proletariat to refer to the

answer

working class

question

The owner of a major league baseball team can fire employees for not winning a pennant, have the city build him a new ballpark, and prevent companies that compete against his own team from airing advertisements during the team's televised games. In Max Weber's view, this owner would most likely be considered to have

answer

power

question

Max Weber defined ________ as the ability to exercise one's will over others.

answer

power

question

A single mother who works in a factory sewing large sheets of canvass would be considered

answer

working class

question

By 2012, female householders accounted for 50 percent of the poor in the U.S. This alarming trend is referred to as

answer

the feminization of poverty.

question

A panhandler makes $15 to $20 per day on the streets. This is his

answer

income

question

Which of the following is an example of absolute poverty?

answer

A homeless man in tattered clothes begs in the streets for money and food.

question

Capitalism is an economic system in which

answer

the means of production are largely in private hands, and the main incentive for economic activity is the accumulation of profit.

question

An ascribed status is a social position

answer

assigned to a person without regard to the person's unique characteristics or talents.

question

In Karl Marx's view, a worker who identifies with the wealthy and believes that she can achieve great wealth through hard work is likely to have developed a

answer

false consciousness

Unlock all answers in this set

Haven't found what you were looking for?

Search for samples, answers to your questions and flashcards