Introduction to Sociology: Master the Basics with Interactive Quizzes

Question 1

What sets sociology apart from other social sciences?

Accepted Answer

Focuses on understanding social phenomena within their broader context

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Examines individual behavior and small-scale interactions

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Emphasizes qualitative research methods exclusively

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Concentrates solely on historical events and societal change

Question 2

What is the defining characteristic of the sociological perspective?

Accepted Answer

Examining how society influences our actions

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Emphasizing individual experiences and thoughts

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Understanding society's hierarchical structure

Question 3

Explain the difference between the sociological concepts of social class and social status.

Accepted Answer

Social class is based on financial situation, while social status is based on perceived social standing.

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Social class is determined by birth, while social status is achieved through effort.

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Social status is more important than social class in determining life opportunities.

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Social class and social status are the same concept.

Question 4

How has social change impacted family structures and roles? Consider both the challenges and opportunities that have emerged.

Accepted Answer

Social change has brought both challenges and opportunities for families.

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Social change has had little effect on families.

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Social change only presents challenges to families, leading to their decline.

Question 5

How does socialization shape individual identities and behaviors? Consider the roles of both primary (e.g., family) and secondary (e.g., school, media) socialization agents.

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Socialization involves learning cultural values, norms, and beliefs that shape perspectives, attitudes, and actions.

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Socialization only happens through primary agents and is not affected by secondary agents.

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Socialization ends in childhood and has no impact on identity or behavior later in life.

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Primary socialization agents have a greater influence on identity and behavior than secondary agents.

Question 6

What is the sociological imagination and why is it important in sociology?

Accepted Answer

The ability to see how our personal experiences are influenced by larger social forces and structures.

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A way of thinking that focuses on the role of individuals in shaping society.

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A method used by sociologists to study social issues.

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Not a useful tool for understanding social phenomena.

Question 7

In sociological research, ethical principles are paramount. Explain the significance of informed consent, confidentiality, and protecting vulnerable populations in ensuring ethical research practices.

Accepted Answer

Informed consent is vital, ensuring participants fully understand the research and voluntarily agree to participate.

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Confidentiality is crucial, safeguarding participants' privacy and anonymity.

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Vulnerable populations, like children or individuals with disabilities, require special ethical considerations to prevent harm or exploitation.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a central concept in sociological analysis?

Accepted Answer

Biological reductionism

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Social structure

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Socialization

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Social change

Question 9

According to the sociological perspective, what primarily shapes individuals' beliefs, behaviors, and values?

Accepted Answer

Their social environment

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Their genetic makeup

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Their personal choices

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External forces beyond their control

Question 10

Social stratification refers to:

Accepted Answer

The uneven distribution of resources and opportunities in society

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The patterns of communication and interaction among individuals

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The process of integrating individuals into society

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The shared beliefs and practices of a group

Question 11

Which of the following theories of social change focuses on an overarching societal perspective?

Accepted Answer

Structural functionalism

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Diffusion theory

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Symbolic interactionism

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Ethnomethodology

Question 12

Socialization is the process through which:

Accepted Answer

Individuals acquire the values and norms of their society

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Individuals are shaped solely by their genetic inheritance

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Individuals develop their own unique personalities

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Individuals establish relationships with others

Question 13

Interviews, observations, and focus groups are examples of:

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research methods

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Quantitative research methods

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Mixed-methods research

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Experimental research

Question 14

The concept of social constructionism posits that:

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Reality is shaped by our interactions and experiences within society

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Reality is objective and exists independently of human perception

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Individuals are born with a fixed set of beliefs and values

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Society is determined solely by biological factors

Question 15

A distinctive feature of sociology compared to other social sciences is its focus on:

Accepted Answer

The societal level of analysis

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The individual level of analysis

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The biological level of analysis

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Quantitative research methods exclusively

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental characteristic of the sociological perspective?

Accepted Answer

Primarily focuses on individual agency and choice

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Emphasizes the social context of human behavior

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Views society as a complex system of interconnected parts

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Recognizes the role of history and culture in shaping society

Question 17

Which renowned sociologist is credited with developing the conflict theory?

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx

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Émile Durkheim

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Max Weber

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Talcott Parsons

Question 18

Which research method is commonly employed to gather detailed information from a limited number of participants?

Accepted Answer

Interview

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Survey

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Observation

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Experiment

Question 19

Who among these individuals is considered a prominent figure in the founding of sociology?

Accepted Answer

Auguste Comte

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Karl Marx

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Max Weber

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Emile Durkheim

Question 20

A defining characteristic of the sociological perspective is its emphasis on:

Accepted Answer

Analyzing social phenomena in their societal context

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Focusing exclusively on individual experiences

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Relying solely on quantitative research methods

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Treating social issues as value-neutral

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT recognized as a major theoretical framework in sociology?

Accepted Answer

Biopsychology

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Functionalism

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Marxism

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Structuralism

Question 22

According to Emile Durkheim, anomie is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

A state of normlessness and societal disorganization

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A condition of strong social cohesion and unity

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A form of social control primarily exercised by the government

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A process of social change that leads to the emergence of new societal structures

Question 23

The relationship between culture and society can be described as:

Accepted Answer

A dynamic interplay where both culture shapes society and society influences culture

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Independent entities that do not significantly influence each other

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A one-way relationship where culture exclusively determines the nature of society

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A one-way relationship where society solely shapes the development of culture

Question 24

Socialization is the process through which:

Accepted Answer

Individuals acquire the values and norms of their society

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Society adapts to meet the unique needs of each individual

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Individuals develop their own distinct identities separate from societal influences

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Society becomes more organized and efficient through the socialization of its members

Question 25

Postmodern sociology primarily focuses on:

Accepted Answer

Examining the fluidity and fragmentation of contemporary society

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Analyzing traditional social structures and institutions

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Understanding the impact of technology on social change

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Promoting social equality and justice as its central هدف

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a key feature of the sociological imagination, as defined by C. Wright Mills?

Accepted Answer

Focusing solely on individual-level explanations

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Connecting personal experiences to broader social patterns

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Examining social phenomena from a historical and comparative perspective

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Challenging conventional assumptions about society

Question 27

The primary aim of the sociological perspective is to:

Accepted Answer

Examine society as an interconnected system

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Emphasize individual perspectives

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Advocate for societal change

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Ignore the role of culture

Question 28

A key attribute of social structure is its:

Accepted Answer

Interconnected and interdependent components

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Rigidity and unchanging nature

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Invisibility to human perception

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Limited influence on individual behavior

Question 29

Functionalist theory places primary emphasis on:

Accepted Answer

Social harmony and stability

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Social conflict and inequality

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Rapid social change and transformation

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The role of individuals in shaping society

Question 30

Which aspect of the sociological perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of society's various parts and their impact on individuals?

Accepted Answer

Importance of social context

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Focus on social structure

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Emphasis on individual agency

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Objectivity and neutrality

Question 31

According to Karl Marx's theory of social conflict, what is the root cause of social inequality and conflict?

Accepted Answer

Struggles between different social classes

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Competition for limited resources

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Differences in cultural values

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Unequal access to educational opportunities

Question 32

Which characteristic is central to a society based on functionalist principles?

Accepted Answer

Social stability and consensus

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Rapid social change

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High levels of social inequality

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Emphasis on individualistic competition

Question 33

What is the term for the process through which individuals learn and adopt the values, norms, and beliefs of their society?

Accepted Answer

Socialization

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Enculturation

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Normalization

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Socialization theory

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT considered a primary social institution?

Accepted Answer

Technology

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Education

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Family

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Government

Question 35

What primary function do social norms serve in society?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining social order and regulating behavior

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Encouraging social conformity and discouraging deviance

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Promoting social innovation and challenging the status quo

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Undermining social structures and fostering individualism

Question 36

What is the process by which individuals develop their own distinct sense of identity and belonging within society?

Accepted Answer

Identity formation

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Socialization

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Individualization

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Self-actualization

Question 37

Which characteristic is a defining feature of a multicultural society?

Accepted Answer

Peaceful coexistence and interaction of multiple distinct cultures

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Dominance of a single, overarching culture

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Complete eradication of cultural diversity

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Strict adherence to traditional cultural norms

Question 38

Which of the following is NOT a key concept in sociology?

Accepted Answer

Scientific method

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Social structure

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Social change

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Social inequality

Question 39

According to functionalist theory, what is the primary function of social institutions?

Accepted Answer

To maintain social order and stability within society.

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To challenge existing societal norms and values.

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To promote individual freedom and personal autonomy.

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To perpetuate inequality and social stratification.

Question 40

Which research method is commonly employed in qualitative sociological studies?

Accepted Answer

Participant observation

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Quantitative survey research

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Experimental design

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Meta-analysis

Question 41

What does the concept of 'social stratification' refer to?

Accepted Answer

The hierarchical arrangement of social groups based on power, privilege, and access to resources.

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The equal distribution of wealth, income, and opportunities among all members of society.

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Temporary divisions within society based on factors such as age, gender, or race.

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Random distribution of individuals into different social classes.

Question 42

According to Karl Marx's conflict theory, what is the primary source of social conflict and inequality?

Accepted Answer

Control over economic resources and the means of production

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Differences in cultural values and beliefs

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Competition for scarce resources such as food, water, and shelter

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Government oppression and authoritarian rule

Question 43

Which of the following is an example of a macro-level sociological analysis?

Accepted Answer

Studying the impact of economic policies on national crime rates.

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Analyzing the socialization process within a specific family.

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Examining the relationship between gender and job opportunities for women.

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Investigating the experiences of homeless individuals in a particular city.

Question 44

Which of the following is NOT a potential application of sociology?

Accepted Answer

Designing effective advertising campaigns for commercial products

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Developing policies to reduce crime

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Improving educational outcomes

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Promoting sustainable development

Question 45

Which of the following is considered a fundamental concept in sociology?

Accepted Answer

Socialization

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Photosynthesis

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Gravity

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Precipitation

Question 46

According to Emile Durkheim, what is a positive function of deviance in society?

Accepted Answer

To strengthen social solidarity

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To weaken social cohesion

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To promote rapid social change

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To create social stratification

Question 47

Which of the following is an example of a social institution that plays a vital role in society?

Accepted Answer

Family

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Individual

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Belief

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Personality

Question 48

What is the primary distinction between qualitative and quantitative research methods in sociology?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative methods focus on numbers, while qualitative methods focus on words.

Answer

Qualitative methods focus on numbers, while quantitative methods focus on words.

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Qualitative methods are more subjective, while quantitative methods are more objective.

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Quantitative methods are more subjective, while qualitative methods are more objective.

Question 49

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of post-industrial society?

Accepted Answer

Growth of service sector

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Emphasis on manufacturing

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Decline in social mobility

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Increase in agricultural employment

Question 50

What is the central focus of the symbolic interactionist perspective in sociology?

Accepted Answer

Micro-level social interactions

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Macro-level social structures

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Social conflict and inequality

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Socialization and identity formation

Question 51

What is the term used to describe the process by which individuals learn and adopt the values, beliefs, and norms of their society?

Accepted Answer

Socialization

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Acculturation

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Assimilation

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Integration

Question 52

What is the central argument of conflict theory in sociology?

Accepted Answer

Society is characterized by inequality and conflict.

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Society is based on consensus and harmony.

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Social change is driven by technological progress.

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Social order is maintained through socialization.

Question 53

What is a key feature of the sociological perspective?

Accepted Answer

Recognition of social context and structure

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Emphasis on individual-level analysis

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Exclusive use of qualitative research methods

Question 54

Which principle is NOT a cornerstone of the sociological perspective?

Accepted Answer

Individual decisions and actions are the main drivers of social outcomes.

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Society operates as a network of interconnected elements.

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Social structures shape individual behaviors and experiences.

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Social phenomena should be analyzed from a global perspective.

Question 55

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of the sociological perspective?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledging that social reality is shaped by our perceptions and interactions

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Emphasizing the role of individual experiences in shaping social outcomes

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Limiting sociological research to numerical data

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Viewing social phenomena as isolated occurrences

Question 56

Which of the following most accurately defines sociology?

Accepted Answer

The scientific investigation of social behavior and society.

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The study of human nature and individual psychology.

Answer

The analysis of economic systems and market trends.

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The examination of historical events and civilizations.

Question 57

In Karl Marx's theory of social conflict, which factor is considered the primary source of tension and inequality?

Accepted Answer

Economics

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Religion

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Politics

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Ideology

Question 58

Which of the following is a distinctive feature of qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Focus on understanding individual experiences and perspectives

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Emphasis on numerical data and statistical analysis

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Generalizability of findings to larger populations

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Objectivity and elimination of researcher bias

Question 59

Global inequality refers to the disparity in wealth and resources among:

Accepted Answer

People around the world

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Individuals within a single country

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Countries within a specific region

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Different social classes within a society

Question 60

The process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, and norms of their society is known as:

Accepted Answer

Socialization

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Enculturation

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Acculturation

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Assimilation

Question 61

Which type of social inequality refers to differences in access to power and decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Political inequality

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Economic inequality

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Educational inequality

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Health inequality

Question 62

According to the functionalist perspective, society is viewed as:

Accepted Answer

An integrated system of interdependent parts working together

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A site of ongoing conflict and power struggles

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A constantly evolving and changing entity

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A repressive structure that controls individuals

Question 63

Which of the following is considered a fundamental characteristic of the sociological perspective?

Accepted Answer

Holistic understanding of social phenomena

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Emphasis on individual agency

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Focus on biological explanations

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Reliance solely on quantitative data

Question 64

According to Karl Marx, what is the main source of social conflict in capitalist societies?

Accepted Answer

Unequal distribution of wealth and power

Answer

Differences in political ideology

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Competition for limited resources

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Disagreements over religious beliefs