Question 1

Robert Park added which additional elements to contagion theory?

Accepted Answer

Robert Park added the elements of social unrest and circular reaction to contagion theory, expanding on the idea that behaviors and emotions can spread through crowds, influencing collective behavior.

Question 2

Who argued that members of the lower classes emulate the fashions of the upper class?

Accepted Answer

Georg Simmel argued that fashion serves both to distinguish the upper class from the lower class and to provide a way for the lower class to emulate or copy the upper class, in a process he described as "trickle-down" theory.

Question 3

Without any proof,community members begin to discuss a recent homicide as gang related.What does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

The fact that the community members are discussing the homicide as gang-related without any proof indicates the spread of a rumor without any factual evidence.

Question 4

Which theorist was responsible for the development of contagion theory?

Accepted Answer

Gustave Le Bon was responsible for the development of contagion theory, which suggests that individuals in a crowd lose their sense of individuality and are susceptible to the influence of the crowd as a whole.

Question 5

What type of crowd behaviour occurred during the tragic flooding in New Orleans?

Accepted Answer

The crowd behavior during the tragic flooding in New Orleans was mainly panic. People were trying to escape the flooding and find safety, resulting in chaotic scenes and panic. There were no reports of protests or riots, and the term "mob" typically implies violent and destructive behavior, which was not the case during the flooding.

Question 6

Which of the following statements best reflects Georg Simmel's view of fashion as a means of status differentiation?

Accepted Answer

Simmel believed that fashion serves as a means of status differentiation and that the upper classes create new fashions to distinguish themselves from the lower classes. However, as fashion trickles down to the lower classes, they often modify or vulgarize the fashion in their attempt to emulate it, making it less recognizable to the upper classes. This reinforces the upper class's originality and exclusivity. Choice A is incorrect because Simmel did not suggest that upper-class members have more manners or taste than lower-class members. Choice B is incorrect because Simmel did not suggest that the upper class views lower-class fashion as bad taste. Choice C is incorrect because Simmel did not suggest that the lower class emulates the fashion of the upper class exactly without modification.

Question 7

At a local high school,when the fire alarm is pulled during the final playoff game,the crowd of parents and spectators hurry out the building without regard to order and others' safety.What does this exemplify?

Accepted Answer

The behavior of the crowd in this situation is best described as a panic, as they are reacting impulsively out of fear without regard for their own safety or the safety of others. A demonstration involves intentional, organized action to raise awareness or advocate for a cause, a mob involves a group of people engaging in violent or destructive behavior, and a riot involves a violent public disturbance. None of these fully capture the situation described.

Question 8

Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards,Beanie-Babies,scooters,and Harry Potter are all examples of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

These items are all examples of fads, which are short-lived trends or crazes that gain sudden popularity and then quickly fade away.

Question 9

According to Turner and Killian,what develops when people define a new situation as unusual or see a long-standing situation in a new light?

Accepted Answer

According to Turner and Killian, emergent norms develop when people define a new situation as unusual or see a long-standing situation in a new light.

Question 10

After untimely celebrity deaths (such as the recent deaths of Corey Haim,Brittany Murphy,and Gary Coleman),rumours tend to circulate about their lives and the circumstances of their death.What term did Charles Horton Cooley give for this?

Accepted Answer

Charles Horton Cooley referred to the spread of rumors and informal information about people's lives, especially in the context of untimely celebrity deaths, as "gossip."

Question 11

At a rally to protest the slaughter of cattle,Jeff becomes increasingly angry.Although not usually violent,he takes his boot and throws it at an executive for the Alberta Beef Industry.According to Le Bon's contagion theory,what happened?

Accepted Answer

Le Bon's contagion theory suggests that in a crowd, individuals are susceptible to a "contagious" emotional state that can lead to irrational and impulsive behavior. Jeff's increased anger and violent action can be attributed to this theory, as he may have taken on the emotions of the crowd and felt less personal responsibility for his actions.

Question 12

What is the main difference between fads and fashion?

Accepted Answer

The main difference between fads and fashion is that fashions tend to be longer lasting and more widespread than fads. Fads are typically short-lived and followed by narrowly defined groups, while fashions are adopted by more widely dispersed collectives. The socioeconomic class of those following fads or fashion is not relevant to the definition or distinction between the two. Option D, suggesting that fads "trickle down" from upper classes, is a popular theory, but not universally supported and does not constitute the main difference between fads and fashion.

Question 13

Which of the following terms typically describes dispersed collective behaviour that occurs when a large number of people react with strong emotions and self-destructive behaviour to a real or perceived threat?

Accepted Answer

Mass hysteria is the term used to describe dispersed collective behaviour where a large number of people react with strong emotions and self-destructive behaviour to a real or perceived threat. This phenomenon can occur in various contexts, including religious settings, medical scenarios, or even in popular culture. The reactions can include physical symptoms such as fainting, crying, or nausea, often with no clear medical explanation.

Question 14

Which of the following terms refers to attitudes and beliefs communicated by ordinary citizens to decision makers?

Accepted Answer

Public opinion refers to attitudes and beliefs expressed by ordinary citizens towards an issue or policy, which are then communicated to decision makers through various channels such as media, surveys, and public protests. Fad refers to a trend or fashion that is popular for a short period of time, while fashion refers to a long-lasting trend in clothing, style or behavior. Rumour refers to an unverified piece of information or news that is spread by word of mouth or through social media.

Question 15

What kind of collective behaviour takes place when people from all over the world write letters,send e-mails,or sign petitions in response to the proposed execution of a woman who was raped?

Accepted Answer

A mass collective behaviour occurs when individuals from all around the world take action in response to a widespread issue or event. In this case, people reacting to the proposed execution of a woman who was raped is a clear example of a mass collective behaviour.

Question 16

What does the crowd do to individuals,according to Le Bon's contagion theory?

Accepted Answer

According to Le Bon's contagion theory, the crowd transforms individuals from rational beings into a single organism with a collective mind. In other words, individuals lose their sense of individuality and become absorbed into the collective consciousness of the crowd. This can lead to irrational and impulsive behavior, as well as a susceptibility to suggestion and manipulation.

Question 17

Which of the following theories focuses on the shared emotions,goals,and beliefs many people bring to crowd behaviour?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following theories focuses on...

Question 18

An interior décor trend inspired by Zen is an example of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The answer of An interior décor trend inspired by Zen...

Question 19

Which statement best reflects contagion theory?

Accepted Answer

Contagion theory suggests that crowds can take on a life of their own, with their own beliefs, emotions, and actions that are separate from those of any one individual. This can lead to the spread of irrational or violent behavior within the crowd.

Question 20

According to Robert Park,the interactive communication between persons is such that the discontent of one person is communicated to another who,in turn,reflects the discontent back to the first person.This involves which of the following?

Accepted Answer

According to Robert Park, the interactive communication between individuals involves the transmission of discontent through a process of circular reaction, resulting in social unrest. This aligns with option C, which states that social unrest is transmitted by a process of circular reaction. Options A and B are not directly related to Park's theory, and option D is incorrect as norm and values are not transmitted solely through collective behaviour.

Quiz 22: Collective Behavior, social Movements, and Social Change