Question 1

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits employers in workplaces with more than twenty-five employees from asking job applicants about medical information or requiring a physical examination prior to employment.

Accepted Answer

This is true according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Employers are not allowed to ask job applicants about medical information or require a physical examination prior to employment in workplaces with more than twenty-five employees.

Question 2

People do not voluntarily become members of coercive organizations. Total institution environments are characterized by restrictive barriers (such as locks, bars, and security guards) that make it impossible for people to leave freely.

Accepted Answer

Total institutions aim to control and manipulate individuals through various forms of coercion, including physical barriers that prevent individuals from leaving freely. Therefore, people do not join total institutions voluntarily.

Question 3

According to social psychologist Irving Janis' theory on "groupthink," members usually want to be "team players." They may not want to be the ones who undermine the group's consensus or who challenge the group's leaders. Consequently, members often limit or withhold their opinions and focus on consensus rather than exploring all of the options and determining the best course of action.

Accepted Answer

Janis' theory on "groupthink" suggests that members usually want to maintain group harmony and avoid conflict, leading them to withhold opinions and prioritize consensus over exploring all options.

Question 4

In a series of experiments conducted by Solomon Asch, the pressure toward group conformity was so great that participants were willing to contradict their own best judgment if the rest of the group disagreed with them. Although 65 percent always gave correct responses, even they felt very uneasy.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In a series of experiments conducted by...

Question 5

The Milgram study provides evidence that obedience to authority may be more common than most of us would like to believe. None of the "teachers" challenged the process before they had applied 300 volts. Almost two-thirds went all the way to what could have been a deadly jolt of electricity if the shock generator had been real.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately reflects the findings of the Milgram study, in which participants showed a high level of obedience to authority figures.

Question 6

Sociologist Georg Simmel suggested that small groups have distinctive interaction patterns that do not exist in larger groups. A coalition is an alliance created in a dyad in an attempt to reach a shared objective or goal.

Accepted Answer

A coalition typically forms in a triad or larger group, not a dyad, as a dyad consists of only two people, leaving no room for alliances against a third party.

Question 7

According to sociologist William Graham Sumner's theory, Distinguishing between our ingroups and outgroups helps us establish our individual identity and self-worth. Likewise, groups are solidified by ingroup and outgroup distinctions; the presence of an enemy or hostile group binds members more closely together.

Accepted Answer

This is a correct statement reflecting Sumner's theory of ingroups and outgroups. Sumner argued that ingroups are formed based on shared qualities or characteristics, while outgroups are defined as those who lack those characteristics. Sumner also believed that this process of distinguishing between ingroups and outgroups serves to establish individual identity and promote group cohesion through the presence of a common enemy.

Question 8

Applying sociologist Max Weber's perspectives in developing an ideal type for bureaucracy in higher education, you would need to include the relationships among the governing bodies, administrators, faculty, staff, and students. You would also have to include the rules and policies that govern the school's activities (such as admissions criteria, grading policies, and graduation requirements).

Accepted Answer

Max Weber's ideal type of bureaucracy includes a clear hierarchical structure, specialized roles and responsibilities, formal rules and procedures, and a division of labor. This applies to higher education as well and would involve the relationships and roles of all those involved in the institution.

Question 9

Conflict theorists focus on how the size of the group influences the kind of interaction that takes place among members.

Accepted Answer

Conflict theorists focus on power dynamics, inequality, and competition for resources within a society, rather than the size of the group.

Question 10

Max Weber uses the term consciousness of kind to describe a setting in which certain individuals are excluded, limited or subjected to certain conditions.

Accepted Answer

Max Weber did not use the term "consciousness of kind." This term is associated with sociologist Franklin Henry Giddings, who used it to describe a shared awareness among individuals in a group.

Question 11

Historically, the basic premise of groups and organizations was that individuals would engage in face-to-face interactions in order to be part of a group. Today, technological devices like the Internet or cell phone serve this function.

Accepted Answer

With the advancement of technology, traditional face-to-face interactions are not always necessary for individuals to be part of a group or organization. Online communities and virtual meetings have become increasingly common.

Question 12

From a functionalist perspective, instrumental leadership provides emotional support for members; this type of leadership is most appropriate when the group is dealing with emotional issues, and harmony, solidarity, and high morale are needed.

Accepted Answer

From a functionalist perspective, expressive leadership provides emotional support for members, while instrumental leadership focuses on achieving goals and tasks efficiently. Therefore, instrumental leadership is most appropriate when the group is dealing with tasks that require efficiency and productivity, rather than emotional issues.

Question 13

Applying sociologist Charles H. Cooley's theory on primary and secondary groups, twelve students in a graduate seminar may start out as a primary group but eventually become a secondary group as they get to know one another and communicate on a more personal basis.

Accepted Answer

Cooley's theory suggests that primary groups are characterized by close, personal relationships, while secondary groups are more impersonal and goal-oriented. The scenario describes a shift from secondary to primary, not the other way around.

Question 14

Authoritarian leaders focus on the instrumental tasks of the group and demand compliance from others. In times of crisis, such as a war or natural disaster, these leaders may be commended for their decisive actions. In other situations, however, they may be criticized for being dictatorial and for fostering intergroup hostility.

Accepted Answer

Authoritarian leaders typically prioritize achieving a specific goal and expect obedience and compliance from their subordinates. This approach may be effective during a crisis or emergency, but it can also lead to resentment and conflict in other situations. Therefore, authoritarian leaders may receive praise or criticism depending on the context in which they operate.

Question 15

Groups assist their members reach specific goals. These are called expressive needs.

Accepted Answer

Groups assist their members in reaching specific goals, which are referred to as instrumental needs. Expressive needs refer to the emotional support and social connections that groups provide to their members.

Question 16

An example of a utilitarian organization is a prison.

Accepted Answer

A utilitarian organization is one where people join for practical reasons, such as employment, not because they are forced, as in a prison.

Question 17

Larger groups typically have more formalized leadership structure. Their leaders are expected to perform a variety of roles, some related to the internal workings of the group and others related to external relationships with other groups.

Accepted Answer

Larger groups often have a more complex and defined leadership structure to manage the internal and external functions of the group.

Question 18

The size of a group is one of its most important features. Interactions are more personal and intense in a small group, a collectivity small enough for all members to be acquainted with one another and to interact simultaneously.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. The size of a group affects the nature of interactions among members. Small groups allow for more personal and intense interactions as all members can be acquainted with each other and interact simultaneously.

Question 19

Race/ethnicity (the physical and cultural characteristics) is the most significant predictor of whether a person will participate in mainstream normative organizations.

Accepted Answer

While race/ethnicity can influence participation in mainstream normative organizations, it is not the most significant predictor. Other factors such as socioeconomic status, education, and personal interests often play a more substantial role.

Question 20

People in aggregates share a common purpose (such as purchasing items or arriving at their destination) but generally do not interact with one another, except perhaps briefly.

Accepted Answer

This statement describes the concept of a crowd or a gathering, where people share a common purpose but generally do not interact with each other except for brief moments, such as in a line or on a bus. Aggregates refer to groups of individuals who share a common characteristic or feature, but they may not necessarily have a common purpose, and they may interact with each other to varying degrees.

Quiz 5: Groups and Organizations.