Question 1

A(n) ________ is any number of people with similar norms, values, and expectations who regularly and consciously interact.

Accepted Answer

A group consists of people who interact with each other on a regular basis, share similar norms, values and expectations. They have a sense of collective identity and belong to a common social category or unit. The concept of a group is central to sociology and is used to understand many social phenomena such as conformity, socialization, and group behavior.

Question 2

In Ebaugh's four stages of the process of role exit, which of the following is a core element of the first stage?

Accepted Answer

The first stage of the process of role exit is characterized by doubt, or the realization that the current role is no longer fulfilling or satisfactory. The individual begins to question the role and their place in it, paving the way for further reflection and eventual exit. Searching for alternatives and taking action are later stages in the process. Identity creation may also occur but is not a core element of the first stage.

Question 3

Role exit is defined as

Accepted Answer

Role exit is the process of disengagement from a role that is central to one's self-identity and the re-establishment of an identity in a new role. It involves a series of psychological and social processes that individuals go through when they leave an important social position or role, such as retirement, divorce, or leaving a religious group.

Question 4

Which term is used by sociologists to refer to a set of expectations for people who occupy a given social position or status?

Accepted Answer

Sociologists use the term "social role" to refer to a set of expectations for people who occupy a given social position or status. Social roles are defined by a society's norms, values, and beliefs about appropriate behavior for individuals in different positions or roles.

Question 5

Helen Rose Fuchs Ebaugh studied

Accepted Answer

Helen Rose Fuchs Ebaugh is known for her research on role exit, which explores the process of leaving social roles and the impact it has on individuals and their social networks.

Question 6

A primary group is a small group that is

Accepted Answer

A primary group is defined as a small, intimate group characterized by face-to-face interactions and cooperative relationships. This type of group typically includes family, close friends, and other groups with whom individuals have strong emotional ties and engage in frequent interaction. Impersonality and little intimacy would be more characteristic of a secondary group, rather than a primary group. While a primary group may serve as a standard for evaluating oneself and one's behavior, this is not a defining feature of the group.

Question 7

Elaine is a clinical sociologist who practices marriage and family therapy. She is also a college professor. One of her current students asks her if she can make an appointment for a therapy session. Elaine tells the student that she will refer her to a colleague because she feels that holding therapy sessions with a student might create

Accepted Answer

Holding therapy sessions with a student might create role conflict for Elaine as she is the student's professor and therapist, and her roles may clash with each other. This could potentially harm the therapeutic relationship and the academic relationship, leading to an ethical issue. Referring the student to another therapist would resolve this conflict.

Question 8

Proper behavior for the in-group is often viewed as unacceptable behavior for the out-group. Sociologist Robert Merton describes this process as the conversion of "in-group virtues" into

Accepted Answer

Merton describes this process as the conversion of "in-group virtues" into "out-group vices," highlighting how behaviors valued within a group can be negatively perceived by those outside the group.

Question 9

Which of the following is likely to be a primary group?

Accepted Answer

A primary group is a small social group whose members share personal and lasting relationships. Among the choices, the members of a neighborhood softball team are most likely to fit the definition of a primary group as they have a small number of members who share a common activity and likely have personal and lasting relationships. The other choices are either too large to have personal relationships (all NHL players) or are more focused on a shared goal or cause rather than personal relationships (ACLU).

Question 10

Which term is used to refer to incompatible expectations that arise when the same person holds two or more social positions?

Accepted Answer

Role conflict refers to incompatible expectations that arise when the same person holds two or more social positions. Role strain refers to tension and difficulties that arise when a person has to meet the expectations of a single social position. Role ambiguity refers to situations where the expectations of a social position are unclear or undefined. Role exit refers to the process of disengaging from a role that is no longer a part of a person's identity.

Question 11

Any group or category to which people feel they belong is called a(n)

Accepted Answer

Only choice C, in-group, refers to a group or category to which people feel they belong. A dyad is a group of two people, a triad is a group of three people, and an out-group is a group that someone does not feel they belong to.

Question 12

The distinction between "in-groups" and "out-groups" was first made by

Accepted Answer

William Graham Sumner introduced the concepts of "in-groups" and "out-groups" in his work on social theory, particularly in his book "Folkways" published in 1906.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about social roles is correct?

Accepted Answer

The actual performance of a social role varies from individual to individual, as individuals bring their own personality, experiences, and values to their role performances. While there may be some expectations for how a role should be performed, actual performance can vary depending on the individual fulfilling the role. Choice A is not correct because roles may be performed differently by different individuals even within the same social status. Choice B is not entirely accurate, as achieved statuses can also entail role expectations that may not always be performed in the same manner. Choice D is untrue, as there is often a gap between role expectations and actual performance.

Question 14

Which type of group is most important for socialization?

Accepted Answer

Primary groups, which are small, intimate, and enduring, play a crucial role in shaping our beliefs, values, and attitudes, as we interact with them on a regular basis and share a sense of belonging and emotional connection. While coalitions and out-groups also have an impact on our socialization, they are less significant compared to our primary groups.

Question 15

Which sociological perspective emphasizes that social roles contribute to a society's stability by enabling members to anticipate the behavior of others and to pattern their own actions accordingly?

Accepted Answer

The functionalist perspective emphasizes that social roles contribute to a society's stability by enabling members to anticipate the behavior of others and to pattern their own actions accordingly. This perspective views society as a system with interdependent parts that work together to maintain stability and order. Social roles, such as those related to family, work, and education, help to establish social order by providing individuals with clear expectations for behavior and interaction with others.

Question 16

Which of the following is most likely to be a secondary group?

Accepted Answer

The United Nations General Assembly is a large, formal organization with a clear purpose and structure, making it a typical example of a secondary group. The other options are either too small, lack formal structure, or are too personal to be considered a true secondary group.

Question 17

The difficulty that arises when the same social position imposes conflicting demands and expectations is known as

Accepted Answer

Role strain occurs when a single social position presents incompatible demands or expectations, leading to stress or difficulty in fulfilling the role adequately.

Question 18

Which term is used to refer to a formal, impersonal group in which there is little social intimacy or mutual understanding?

Accepted Answer

A secondary group is a formal, impersonal group in which there is little social intimacy or mutual understanding. Primary groups are characterized by close, personal relationships, while reference groups are groups with which individuals identify and use as a standard for evaluating themselves and their behavior. Tertiary groups are not a commonly recognized category of groups in sociology.

Question 19

A group to which people feel they do not belong is called a(n)

Accepted Answer

An out-group is a group to which people do not belong and may even view negatively. The other options given (social network, primary group, and reference group) are not specific to groups that people feel they do not belong to.

Question 20

Which type of group plays a pivotal role in the socialization process and the development of roles and statuses?

Accepted Answer

Primary groups, such as family and close friends, are the most intimate and influential in shaping our identities and social roles. They provide us with emotional support, socialization, and a sense of belonging, which are essential for our development as individuals and members of society. Secondary groups, formal organizations, and aggregates are important in their own right but do not fulfill the same social and psychological functions as primary groups.

Quiz 5: Social Interaction, Groups, and Social Structure