Sociology and its Methods: Master the Foundations of Sociology

Question 1

Which sociological perspective focuses on the role of social structures and their functions in society?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Naturalism

Question 2

Auguste Comte, known as the father of sociology, introduced which term to describe the scientific study of society?

Accepted Answer

Sociology

Answer

Ethnography

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Socialism

Question 3

Auguste Comte, known as the 'father of sociology', believed sociology should primarily focus on:

Accepted Answer

Analyzing and explaining social order and change

Answer

Explaining the natural world through scientific laws

Answer

Promoting social reform and resolving societal issues

Answer

Understanding the psychological motivations of individuals

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT one of the three main sociological perspectives?

Accepted Answer

Social action theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 5

Which approach is distinct from the main sociological perspectives?

Accepted Answer

Positivism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 6

What sets the sociological perspective apart from other social sciences?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on social structures and institutions

Answer

Exclusive use of qualitative research methods

Answer

Focus on cultural influences on behavior

Answer

Concentration on individual agency in society

Question 7

What is a defining characteristic of the sociological perspective?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on social structures shaping individual experiences

Answer

Focus on individual motivations

Answer

Belief in solving social problems through individual actions

Answer

Rejection of statistics and data in sociological research

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT considered a core sociological perspective?

Accepted Answer

Feminist theory

Answer

Structural functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 9

In sociology, which concept refers to the shared beliefs, values, and practices of a group of people?

Accepted Answer

Culture

Answer

Socialization

Answer

Gravity

Answer

Social stratification

Question 10

What is the main idea of symbolic interactionism in sociology?

Accepted Answer

Humans interact through shared symbols and meanings that shape their behavior and understanding of the world.

Answer

Society is a system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain order.

Answer

Social conflict is the driving force behind social change.

Answer

Social phenomena can be objectively studied and measured using scientific methods.

Question 11

Which of these is a core concept in sociology?

Accepted Answer

Social Stratification

Answer

Quantum Mechanics

Answer

Cellular Biology

Answer

Astrophysics

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a central topic in the development of sociological theory and research?

Accepted Answer

Impact of technology on social life and communication

Answer

Influence of social structures and institutions on individual behavior

Answer

Role of culture and values in shaping social behavior and beliefs

Answer

Processes of social change and transformation

Question 13

Which statement DOES NOT reflect a key principle of functionalism in sociology?

Accepted Answer

Social change is both necessary and unavoidable.

Answer

Society operates as a system with interconnected parts.

Answer

Social institutions maintain stability and order.

Answer

Society is constantly evolving.

Question 14

What is a defining characteristic of the sociological perspective?

Accepted Answer

It recognizes that social structures influence behavior.

Answer

It analyzes individuals as the primary unit of study.

Answer

It exclusively employs qualitative research methods.

Answer

It maintains complete objectivity.

Question 15

Which of the following is **not** a major sociological perspective?

Accepted Answer

Social behaviorism

Answer

Structural functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a key feature of the functionalist perspective in sociology?

Accepted Answer

Social structures remain unchanged over time.

Answer

Society is a harmonious system where each part contributes to its stability.

Answer

Social institutions, like family and education, serve essential functions for society.

Answer

Individuals' actions are influenced by societal norms and values.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Understanding the social world from the perspective of those being studied

Answer

Emphasizing the role of individual agency in social life

Answer

Relying solely on quantitative research methods

Answer

Assuming that social change is impossible

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental sociological perspective?

Accepted Answer

Positivism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 19

According to the functionalist perspective, which of the following is NOT a characteristic of society?

Accepted Answer

Driven by conflict and competition.

Answer

A system of interconnected parts.

Answer

Maintained by consensus and shared values.

Answer

Composed of institutions that serve specific functions.

Question 20

What is a key characteristic that distinguishes the functionalist perspective in sociology from other sociological approaches?

Accepted Answer

Emphasizes social order and stability through consensus and shared values.

Answer

Prioritizes conflict and competition as the main causes of social change.

Answer

Focuses on society's adaptability and constant evolution.

Answer

Rejects the idea of social stratification and inequality.

Question 21

Which sociological concept describes the ongoing transformation and development of society?

Accepted Answer

Social evolution

Answer

Social solidarity

Answer

Social stratification

Question 22

Which of the following is not a fundamental concept in sociology?

Accepted Answer

Individualism

Answer

Social structure

Answer

Social stratification

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a core sociological perspective used to analyze society?

Accepted Answer

Postmodernism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 24

Which characteristic does NOT define the sociological perspective?

Accepted Answer

Relying exclusively on objective data

Answer

Considering the broader social context

Answer

Examining the influence of social structures

Answer

Understanding cultural diversity and contexts

Question 25

According to the functionalist perspective in sociology, which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

Society is a stable system where institutions serve important functions.

Answer

Social change is always negative and harmful.

Answer

Individuals have no control over the social structures that shape their lives.

Answer

The functionalist perspective is the only valid sociological perspective.

Question 26

Which characteristic is NOT associated with the sociological perspective?

Accepted Answer

Highlighting the significance of individual actions

Answer

Acknowledging the social context of human behavior

Answer

Pursuing objective knowledge through empirical research

Answer

Comprehending social phenomena within their historical and cultural contexts

Question 27

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

Accepted Answer

It emphasizes the impact of societal factors on individuals' lives.

Answer

It exclusively attributes social outcomes to individual choices.

Answer

It favors qualitative research methods over quantitative methods.

Answer

It assumes that social phenomena are inherently subjective and cannot be objectively analyzed.

Question 28

Who is credited as the founder of sociology, known for establishing its key concepts and methods?

Accepted Answer

Auguste Comte

Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Max Weber

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT a major sociological perspective?

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary psychology

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 30

Which method is typically NOT used in qualitative sociological research?

Accepted Answer

Controlled experiments

Answer

Unstructured interviews

Answer

Document analysis

Question 31

What is the defining characteristic of mixed methods research in sociology?

Accepted Answer

Combination of qualitative and quantitative data

Answer

Reliance solely on quantitative data collection methods

Answer

Exclusive focus on hypothesis testing

Answer

Applicability only to large-scale research projects

Question 32

Which characteristic is NOT associated with the quantitative research approach in sociology?

Accepted Answer

Subjective interpretation of individual experiences

Answer

Data collection through surveys or experiments

Answer

Emphasis on objectivity and generalizability

Question 33

Which research method is best suited for gathering detailed, in-depth information about participants' experiences and perspectives?

Accepted Answer

Ethnography

Answer

Structured interviews

Answer

Quantitative surveys

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT a key element of Karl Marx's theory of social stratification?

Accepted Answer

Social solidarity

Answer

Class conflict

Answer

False consciousness

Answer

Alienation

Question 35

A verstehen approach to social research focuses on:

Accepted Answer

Understanding the underlying motives and values of social behavior

Answer

Interpreting the objective meaning of social actions

Answer

Collecting only qualitative data

Question 36

Which of the following is NOT one of the three main sociological perspectives: functionalism, conflict theory, or symbolic interactionism?

Accepted Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 37

Which of the following actions is considered unethical in sociological research?

Accepted Answer

Manipulating or fabricating data

Answer

Protecting the privacy of participants

Answer

Obtaining informed consent

Answer

Using findings responsibly

Question 38

Which is the primary limitation of qualitative research methods in sociology?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty in generalizing findings to a wider population

Answer

Limited flexibility in data collection

Answer

Insufficient potential for in-depth understanding of social phenomena

Answer

High cost of conducting research

Question 39

Which research method is renowned for its ability to gather in-depth, qualitative data that reflects the personal experiences and viewpoints of participants?

Accepted Answer

Participant observation

Answer

Survey research

Answer

Content analysis

Answer

Experimental research

Question 40

Which of the following is NOT a major sociological perspective?

Accepted Answer

Positivism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Question 41

What is a key distinction between qualitative and quantitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research is inductive, while quantitative research is deductive.

Answer

Qualitative research emphasizes numerical data, while quantitative research emphasizes non-numerical data.

Answer

Qualitative research is more objective than quantitative research.

Answer

Qualitative research always requires more time than quantitative research.

Question 42

Which of the following is a fundamental ethical principle in sociological research?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of participants

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent from all participants

Accepted Answer

Minimizing any potential harm or distress to participants

Answer

Ensuring the research design is methodologically sound

Question 43

Identify the main advantage of using quantitative research methods in sociological studies:

Accepted Answer

It enables the collection of extensive data.

Answer

It guarantees objectivity in research findings.

Answer

It is less time-consuming than qualitative methods.

Question 44

Which of the following is a key principle of the symbolic interactionist perspective in sociology?

Accepted Answer

Meaning is created through social interactions.

Answer

Society is a static and unchanging entity.

Answer

Individuals act rationally and logically.

Answer

Reality is objective and independent of human perception.

Question 45

In qualitative sociological research, how do researchers analyze data to uncover patterns and derive insights?

Accepted Answer

By coding and categorizing data to identify themes, concepts, and patterns.

Answer

By following a rigid, step-by-step data analysis process.

Answer

By using only one data analysis technique to ensure consistency.

Answer

By applying the same data analysis methods used in quantitative research.

Question 46

In sociological research, how does theory influence the research process?

Accepted Answer

Theory provides concepts and hypotheses that guide the research process, including question selection and data interpretation.

Answer

Theory has no role in sociological research, which relies solely on empirical evidence.

Answer

Theory is only used in the final stages of research to interpret findings and draw conclusions.

Answer

Theory is irrelevant to sociological research because it is based on subjective interpretations of social reality.

Question 47

How does sociological theory shape the research process?

Explain how theory influences:

- The selection of research questions
- The interpretation of data
- The development of research methods

Accepted Answer

Theory guides the selection of research questions, provides a framework for interpreting data, and informs the development of research methods.

Answer

Theory has no role in the research process.

Answer

Theory only guides the selection of research questions.

Answer

Theory only provides a framework for interpreting data.

Question 48

Evaluate the core assumptions of the functionalist perspective in sociology. Discuss its strengths and weaknesses in explaining social phenomena.

Accepted Answer

Functionalism assumes society is a harmonious system where components collaborate to maintain balance and stability.

Answer

Functionalism claims social change is always detrimental and should be opposed.

Answer

Functionalism is limited to small-scale societies and cannot explain complex social phenomena.

Question 49

How do social institutions, like family, education, and media, influence individuals' socialization and social experiences?

Accepted Answer

Social institutions actively shape individuals' socialization by transmitting cultural norms, values, and expectations.

Answer

Social institutions passively reflect society's values and norms, having little impact on individuals' socialization.

Answer

Social institutions negatively impact individuals' socialization, restricting their freedom and individuality.

Answer

Social institutions play a minor role in shaping individuals' socialization, as personal experiences and choices are more influential.

Question 50

Which principle is NOT a core concept of the symbolic interactionist perspective in sociology?

Accepted Answer

Social structures heavily influence individual behavior.

Answer

Social reality is shaped by interactions between individuals.

Answer

Individuals actively interpret and assign meanings.

Answer

Language plays a vital role in communication and meaning-making.

Question 51

How do social class, race, and gender interact to create systems of inequality?

Accepted Answer

Social class, race, and gender are interconnected, creating complex patterns of inequality.

Answer

Social class is separate from race and gender inequality.

Answer

Social class only intersects with race or gender within the same racial or gender group.

Answer

Social class, race, and gender are independent factors with distinct effects.

Question 52

How can sociological research and insights be used to design and implement effective social policies that reduce social inequality?

Accepted Answer

Provide empirical evidence to support or challenge assumptions about social inequality.

Accepted Answer

Identify social and cultural factors that contribute to social inequality.

Accepted Answer

Evaluate the effectiveness of existing social policies and recommend improvements.

Answer

Provide a moral compass for policymakers to guide their decisions about social policy.

Question 53

Which of the following is **NOT** a major sociological perspective?

Accepted Answer

Behavioralism

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Conflict Theory

Question 54

What is the primary **qualitative** research method used to collect data?

Accepted Answer

Participant observation

Answer

Surveys

Answer

Experiments

Answer

Content analysis

Question 55

Which ethical principle involves participants being fully informed about the research and their rights before agreeing to participate?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Anonymity

Answer

Objectivity

Question 56

According to functionalist theory, which of the following is the main function of religion in society?

Accepted Answer

Providing social control

Answer

Encouraging innovation

Answer

Promoting economic growth

Answer

Preventing social conflict

Question 57

What is the concept in sociology that refers to the impact of social class on educational attainment?

Accepted Answer

Cultural capital

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Educational inequality

Answer

Occupational prestige

Question 58

Which of the following does NOT belong to the group of key concepts in sociology?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Socialization

Answer

Stratification

Answer

Deviance

Question 59

Which sociological perspective emphasizes the importance of social conflict in shaping how society operates and changes over time?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Feminism

Question 60

Which research method involves the researcher directly observing and participating in the daily lives of the people being studied?

Accepted Answer

Participant observation

Answer

Surveys

Answer

Interviews

Answer

Document analysis

Question 61

Which of the following is a characteristic of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Focuses on understanding individual experiences and perspectives

Answer

Relies on numerical data

Answer

Is generalizable to a larger population

Answer

Uses standardized questionnaires

Question 62

Precise Which sociological theory focuses on economic development as the primary driver of social change?

Accepted Answer

Revised Marxist theory

Answer

Revised Weber's theory of social change

Answer

Revised Functionalist theory

Answer

Revised Symbolic interactionist theory

Question 63

Whose sociological work revolves around the concept of 'habitus'?

Accepted Answer

Revised Pierre Bourdieu

Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Talcott Parsons

Question 64

Ethnography is a research method best suited for:

Accepted Answer

Revised Studying small-scale interactions

Answer

Removed Survey

Answer

Removed Experiment

Answer

Removed Longitudinal study