Understanding Social Problems Practice Test Chapters 1, 3, 4, 6 – Flashcards
Unlock all answers in this set
Unlock answersquestion
The objective element of a social problem A. is the only thing social scientists are concerned with B. Refers to the existence of a social condition C. Is the only part that can be measured D. Is unimportant
answer
B. Refers to the existence of a social condition
question
Which of the following best illustrates the subjective element of a social problem? A. US censu stats that show the percentage of the US population who live in poverty B. Reports that show the percentage of people who have lost their jobs due to the closing of factories in the US C. The percentage of Americans who believe availability of child pornography on the Internet is harmful to society D. World Health Organization estimates of the number of people in the world who have died of the AIDS virus in the last five years
answer
C. The percentage of Americans who believe availability of child pornography on the Internet is harmful to society
question
Society's structure is made up of A. Beliefs, values, statuses, and roles B. Insitututions, social groups, norms, and symbols C. Beliefs, values, norms, and symbols D. Institutions, social groups, statuses, and roles
answer
D. Institutions, social groups, statuses and roles
question
Which of the following is a group, according to the definition of your text? A. All of the people in your favorite shopping mall at noon Saturday B. People who usually watch NBC nightly news C. Your college sociology class D. Fans of the Yankee baseball team
answer
C. Your college sociology class
question
Edward is an African American male, age 26, who married his high school sweetheart after he graduated from college. He is now the father of two children and employed as a chemical engineer. Which of the following is one of Edward's achieved statuses? A. African American B. Male C. Chemical Engineer D. Adult
answer
C. Chemical engineer
question
_________ are social agreements about what is considered good and bad, right and wrong, desirable and undesirable. A. Norms B. Values C. Roles D. Beliefs
answer
B. Values
question
Jeff frequently picks his nose in class. He is violating a A. Value B. Folkway C. More D. Law
answer
B. Folkway
question
Janet receives disapproving looks from strangers for singing obnoxiously while walking down the street. The disapproving look Janet receives are examples of A. Values B. Folkways C. Informal sanctions D. Informal sanctions
answer
C. Informal sanctions
question
Which of the following conclusions BEST illustrates use of the sociological imagination? A. Jody's parents are getting a divorce because they do not love each other anymore. B. Helen is not attending college because her parents do not have enough money to pay her expenses. C. Tony's college failure illustrates problems of inner-city children whose schools inadequately prepare them for the rigor of college courses. D. Megan has to request welfare payments because she lost her job
answer
C. Tony's college failure illustrates problems of inner-city children whose schools inadequately prepare them for the rigor of college courses.
question
Structural-functionalists A. Emphasize the feelings of powerlessness of workers in industrialized societies. B. Focus on how groups with different interests compete for scarce resources. C. View society as a system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain balance. D. Focus on how a person's self-concept is formed by his or her interaction with others.
answer
C. View society as a system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain balance
question
A society is in a state of "anomie" when A. Norms are weak or in conflict with each other. B. The major social institutions reinforce the same cultural values. C. There are more secondary groups than primary groups. D. Some segments of society have more wealth than others.
answer
A. Norms are weak or in conflict with each other
question
Contemporary Marxist theories believe that the main source of social problems is A. The weak social norms fo capitalistic societies B. Class inequality that is inherent in a capitalistic system C. Social disorganization that exists in both capitalistic and communist societies
answer
B. Class inequality that is inherent in a capitalistic system
question
____________ are most likely to associate high levels of high school dropouts with the breakdown of the American family, a decline in religiosity, and inadequacies in the government and economy A. Social constructionists B. Conflict theorists C. Symbolic interactionists D. Structural functionalists
answer
D. Structural functionalists
question
Symbolic interactionism emphasizes that A. Societal institutions meet the needs of people in society B. Institutional inequalities cause some people's needs to be met more than other people's needs C. Human behavior is influenced by the meanings that are created through social interaction D. The important symbols of society are distributed unequally
answer
C. Human behavior is influenced by meanings that are created through social interaction
question
Which theoretical eprspective emphasizes that a condition must be defeined or recognized as a social problem in order for it to be a social problem? A. Structural-functionalism B. Marxist conflict theory C. Non-Marxist conflict theory D. Symbolic-interactionism
answer
D. Symbolic-interactionism
question
Pharmacologically, a drug is a substance that A. Alters the structure or functioning of a living organism when it enters the bloodstream B. Positively or negatively affects the immune system of the human body C. Has a direct effect on the user's physical, psychological, and/or intellectual functioning D. Is physically addictive
answer
C. Has a direct effect on the user's phsyical, psychological, and/or intellectual functioning
question
Using treatment and prevention strategies is a way of dealing with drug use from an A. Interdiction approach B. Medical model perspective C. War on drugs perspective D. Penalty approach
answer
B. Medical model perspective
question
Which of the following terms refers to a condition of compulsive drug use? A. Chemical dependency B. Drug abuse C. Illicit drug use D. Illegal drug us
answer
A. Chemical dependency
question
The structural-functional perspective is more likely than the conflict or symbolic interactionist perspective to view drug abuse as A. Due to the weakening norms in society B. A response to the inequality perpetuated by the capitalistic system C. Learned through itneraction in small groups D. The consequence of a psychological predisposition toe xperience pleasure from drugs
answer
A. Due to the weakening of norms in society
question
According to the conflict perspective, alcohol is legal because it A. Is one of the safest drugs available B. Is often consumed by those who have the power to define its acceptability C. Plays an important role in relieving social stress D. Provides a pleasureable experience to people when they first try it
answer
B. Is often consumed by those who have the pwoer to define its acceptiability
question
Individuals who are poor and minorities may abuse drugs as a result of alienation from society due to unpleasant and low-paying jobs. This illustrates which of the following types of sociologiucal explanations? A. Structural-functionalist B. COnflict theory C. Symbolic interactist D. Biological
answer
B. Conflict theory
question
The crimilization of opium use in the US can be traced tow hich of the following? A. the high birth defects linked to the use of opium by pregnant women B. The high rate of death among loberrers who used opium while building Us railroads C. The use of opium among Chinese immigrant laborers, who threatened white jobs D. The fear that white American youth would learn the techniques and motivations to use opium
answer
C. The use of opium among Chinese immigrant laboreres, who threatened white jobs
question
Becker (1966) studied how marijuana users learn to ingest and enjoy the effects of marijuana. This study fits with which theoretical perspective? A. Symbolic interaction B. Conflict C. Structural-functional D. Social pathology
answer
A. Symbolic interaction
question
A meta analysis of the popular DARe program found A. The program was most effective in preventing drug use when it was started in kindergarten B. The program was most effective in preventing drug use among girls C. The program reduced drug use by fourty percent for all participants D. The program did not significantly prevent drug use among school-age children
answer
D. The program did not significiantly rpevent drug use among school-age children
question
___________ theories propose that some individuals are predisposed to drug abuse A. Conflict B. Symbolic interaction C. Biological D. Psychological
answer
C. Biological
question
Many have argued that alcohol prohibition in 1920 was A. Highly supported by the American population B. A "moral crusade" against immigrant groups C. Modeled after a highly effective program in Canada D. Highly effective at reducing alcohol consumption
answer
B. A "Moral crusade" against immigrant groups
question
The most widely used and abused drug in America is A. Tobacco B. Marijuana C. Alcohol D. Heroin
answer
C. Alcohol
question
Tobacco advertisers have been found to target A. Minorities and women B. College students C. The wealthy D. White men
answer
A. Minorities and women
question
Anti-cocaine sentiment in the US emerged int eh early 1900s in response to cocaine's heavy use among A. Pregnant women B. Teenagers C. European immigrants D. Urban blacks
answer
D. Urban blacks
question
Children who live with at least one parent in need of treatment for drug and alcohol dependency are more likely to A. Live in a conflict-free environment B. Avoid a similar fate when they are adults C. Be unaffected by the parent's behavior D. Suffer physical illness
answer
D. Suffer physical illness
question
Which of the following statements is true regarding drug use and crime? A. Surveys of prisoners show that nearly two thirds were under the influence of drugs when they commiteed their offense B. Experimental studeis show that individuals are twelve times more likely to commit a crime when under the influence of drugs C. Sociologists disagree on whether drugs cause crime, criminal activity leads to drug involvement, or some other factor is related to crime and drug use D. A meta analysis of research studies shows no relationship between drug use and crime
answer
C. Sociologists disagree on whether drugs cause crime, criminal activity leads to drug involvement, or some other factor is related to crime and drug use
question
All of the following are true about crime throughout the world EXCEPT A. There is no country where crime does not exist B. Most countries have police, courts, and prisons C. Worldwide, adult males make up the largest category of crime suspects D. Violent crime is a relatively common event in all countries
answer
D. Violent crime is a relatively commone event in all cuontries
question
Which of the following is ane xample of a transnatinoal crime? A. A father who lost custody of his child abducts the child and takes him or her to another country B. A citicenze of Mexico illegally crosses the Us border in search of employment C. An international child porn ring offers online videos of children being sexually abused D. A US criminal flees to South America to avoid arrest and criminal prosecution
answer
C. An international child porn ring offers online videos of children being sexually abused
question
A shortcoming of the statistics in the Uniform Crime Reports is that A. Many incidents of crime are not reported to police B. They provide more info about crime victims than offenders C. Individuals may exaggerate the number of crimes they have committed D. It is difficult to distinguish criminals from non-criminals because virtually every adult has engaged in some type of criminal activity
answer
A. Many incidents of crime are not reported to police
question
According to the structural-functional theoriest Emile Durkheim, crime A. Can strengthen group cohesion B. Usualy leads to negative social change C. Reflectus the social inequalities of a society D. Is dysfunctional to all members of society
answer
A. Can strengthen group cohesion
question
According to Merton, _________ explains the high rate of crime by uneducated and poor Americans
answer
A. Conformity B. Innovation C. Retreatism D. Rebellion
question
The research finding that retaliatory homicide is a response to group norms of violence ins ome neighborhood supports _________ theory A. Strain B. Control C. Subcultural D. Labeling
answer
C. Subcultural
question
According to conflict theory, the more _________ in a society, the greater the crime rate in that society A. Wealth B. Industrialiation C. Social change D. Inequality
answer
D. Inequality
question
According to labeling theory, one way the label of deviant causes further deviance is the labeled pereson A. Is often denied opportunities for engaging in nondeviant behavior B. Addopts the crime-promoting attitudes and values of the society C. Reject society's cultural goals of material achievement D. REjects a deviant self concept
answer
A. Is often denied opportunities for engaging in nondeviant behavior
question
The most common kind of larceny is A. Shoplifting B. Purse-snatching C. Bicycle theft D. Theft involving automoibles and auto accessories
answer
D. Theft involving automobiles and auto accessories
question
If a company produces toys for children that knowingly contain lead paint, it is an example of A. Organized crime B. Corporate violence C. Occupational crime D. Vice crime
answer
B. Corporate crime
question
Strain theory suggests that criminal activity is more prevalent among indivudiauls in their teens and early 20s because younger individuals A. Have fewer attachments to others B. Are influenced by the deviant youth subculture C. Have less access to letimate means for acquiring material goods D. Are unawareisies of the law
answer
C. Have less access to legit means for acquiring material goods
question
The principle of deterrence is based on the assumption that A. Offenders act spontaneously when committing crime B. Individuals who commit crimes will continue to commit more crimes, even after serving time in prison C. "get-tough" policies will result in other social problems D. Potential offenders weigh the costs and benefits of their actions
answer
D. Potential offenders weigh the costs and benefits of their actions
question
Opponents to capital punishment argue all of the following except A. Death sentences are racially discriminatory B. Most homicide offenders consider the consequences of their actions before they commit the offense C. Since 1989 there have been 239 post-conviction exonerations using DNA evidence D. The murder rate in the Us is higher than in many Western European nations that do not practice capital punishment
answer
B. Most homicide offenders consider the consequences of their actions before they commit the offense
question
The majority of Americans favor which type of approach to dealing with crime? A. Developing social programs B. Increased police presence C. Increased incarceration rates D. Mandatory minimum sentences
answer
A. Developing social problems
question
The term __________ refers to the lack of resources that leads to hunger and physical depirvation A. Socioecononic inequality B. Absolute poverty C. Lower class D. Relative poverty
answer
B. Asolute poverty
question
The Multideminsional Poverty Index includes all of the following measures of depirvation EXCEPT A. Deprivation of Health (nutrition, child mortality) B. Deprivation of Education (years of schooling) C. Deprivation of Affection (love, family) D. Deprivation in Standard of Living (cooking fuel, toilet, water)
answer
C. Deprivation of affection
question
What trend generally describes the income distribution in the Us over the last 30 years A. Those in the top 1- percent have seen their overall share decline substantially as a result of the recession B. While the share of the top 10 percent increased overall, the top 1 percent saw their share decrease C. Those in the top 10 percent have seen their gains increase dramatically D. Everyone's gains have been about equal
answer
C. Those in the top 10 percent have seen their gains increase dramatically
question
Which of the following perspectives are most likely to argue that physicians should be paid higher than most occupations because their job is more important than most and requires so much education and training? A. Structural functionalist B. Conflict C. Symbolic interactionism D. Feminist theory
answer
A. Structural functionalist
question
According to modern conflict theorists, the pwoer to influence economic outcomes in a society comes from all of the following EXCEPT A. Ownership of the means of production B. Advertising C. Interlocking board memberships D. Control of media
answer
B. Advertising
question
Which of the following is an example of corporate welfare? A. A large corporation donates money to a homeless shelter B. SEverance pay and unemployment insurance C. Low-interest government loans, subsidies, and tax breaks to corporations D. Employee assistance programs
answer
C. Low-interest government loans, subsidies, and tax breaks to corporations
question
As companies relocate to poor countries with abundant supplies of cheap labor, wages decline and A. Consumer spending decreases B. Quality of life increases C. More industries grow and prosper D. Unemployment rates decrease
answer
A. Consumer spending decreases
question
Which sociological eprspective is most likely to focus on the label's attached to differnt groups of people based on their socioeconomic position? A. Structural-functionalism B. Conflict theory C. Symbolic interactionism D. Feminist theory
answer
C. Symbolic interactionism
question
The "feminization of poverty" refers to the A. Higher proportion of females than males in poverty B. Dependence upon female income that occurs with male unemployment C. Higher percentage of females who become poor in their old age D. The fact that more females than males are born to poor families
answer
A. Higher proportions of females than males in poverty
question
The term "couch-homeless" refers to homeless indivuduals who A. Sleep on park benches B. Spend as much time as possible in city homeless shelters C. Stay at the home of family or friends D. Became homeless because they did not want to work the jobs that were available
answer
C. Stay at the home of family or friends
question
Living wage lawas require state or municipal contractors, recipients of public subsidies or tax breaks, or, in some cases, businesses to pay employees A. Overtime wages if they work over 40 hours per week B. Wages below the federal minimum wage for disabled workers C. Wages below the federal minimum wage for legal immigrants with work visas D. Wages significantly above the federal minimum, enabling families to live above the poverty line
answer
D. Wages significantly above the federal miniumu, enableing families to live above the poverty line
question
The term "human capital" refers to which of the following? A. The skills, knowledge, and capabilities of the individual B. The average wage in a society C. The productiveity of the average worker D. The total personal wealth of all membmers of a society
answer
A. The skills, knowledge, and capabilities of the individual
question
Microcredit programs A. Provide loans to people who are generally excluded from traditional credit services because of their low socioeconomic status B. Require an applicant to provide a 20% minimum capital investment and have good credit C. Offer world bank loans to large capital investors who agree to established manufacturing industries in developing countries D. Do not require repayment of loans if the recipients establish businesses in low-income areas
answer
A. Provide loans to people whoa re generally excluded from traditional credi services because of their low socioeconomic status
question
Which of the following families is most likely to be poor? A. A married-couple family B. A female-householder, no spouse present C. Male-householder, no spouse present D. An elderly married couple
answer
B. A female householder, no spouse
question
Your text mentions all of the following as factors contributing to poverty among minorities EXCEPT A. Discrimination B. Large numbers of children C. The loss of manufacturing jobs from the inner city D. The movement of whites and middle class black out of the inner city
answer
B. Large numbers of children
