Question 1

In the Indian state of Orissa live the Dongria,who believe the mountain they live on is their god.The Dongria see the bauxite under their mountain,although threatening to their deity,as only a practical interest of the aluminum company that wants to mine the bauxite.What sociological term best depicts the Dongria view of bauxite?

Accepted Answer

The Dongria view of the bauxite as threatening to their deity and part of their sacred mountain indicates that they see it as a sacred object. Therefore, option B - "sacred" - is the best choice.

Question 2

A novice born-again Christian attends a charismatic prayer group.The small group stands to pray,then someone starts to speak in tongues,and the whole group starts singing in unison.The novice feels a transcendent presence.Which terms defines this social phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

The term "collective conscience" refers to the shared beliefs and moral attitudes which operate as a unifying force within society. In this context, the group's shared spiritual experience and unified actions reflect a collective conscience.

Question 3

What term did Durkheim use to refer to the everyday world?

Accepted Answer

Durkheim used the term "profane" to refer to the everyday world, which includes the mundane and ordinary aspects of life that are not considered sacred or holy.

Question 4

In the Indian state of Orissa live the Dongria tribe,who believe that the Dongria Mountain they live on is their god.Which sociological category does their mountain divinity fit into?

Accepted Answer

The Dongria tribe's belief that their mountain is their god fits into the sociological category of sacred, as the tribe views it as a special and holy place of spiritual significance. It is not necessarily supernatural, religious or profane to them, as it is a part of their daily lives and culture.

Question 5

According to Frankel and Hewitt's research,what factor is related to religious involvement?

Accepted Answer

Frankel and Hewitt's research found that religious involvement is related to good mental health.

Question 6

Which conclusion is outlined in the text concerning religion?

Accepted Answer

The text suggests that while religion may have changed and evolved over time, it is likely to continue to exist in the future. There is no indication that it is the best way to expand consciousness, or that it has always been either a repressive or progressive force.

Question 7

What role does socialization play as a cause of religious beliefs?

Accepted Answer

Socialization introduces individuals to religious beliefs and practices, but it is not sufficient on its own to determine an individual's religiosity. Other factors, such as personal experiences and interpretations of religious texts, can also shape an individual's beliefs.

Question 8

A religious group found two items in a basement.One was a book of "rules to live by," which they put in their prayer room and read from at meetings.The other item was a picture of a past member,which they threw out.According to the text,how did they categorize the picture?

Accepted Answer

The text does not indicate that the religious group saw the picture as sacred or antiquated. Instead, they threw it out, suggesting they saw it as profane or not in line with their beliefs or values.  The options "C" and "A" do not make sense given the context. Option "D" implies that the item had relevance or value previously and has no value now, which is not stated in the text.

Question 9

A person wants to convert to a new religion,and is told by a catechist (a teacher of the faith)that a convert must demonstrate an active baptism,hold dear the tenets of the faith,attend church regularly,and believe in the soul's eternal nature.Which term best describes the catechist's teaching?

Accepted Answer

The catechist's teaching encompasses various aspects of religious life and commitment, such as practices (active baptism, regular church attendance), beliefs (tenets of the faith, belief in the soul's eternal nature), and the importance of these in one's life, which collectively describe the dimensions of religiosity rather than just the tenets of a specific faith or the process of conversion.

Question 10

John digs ditches for a living.On the weekends he is very active in his prayer group,organizing home visits to the elderly and infirm.Which situation is helping John be content with his life?

Accepted Answer

The answer of John digs ditches for a living.On the...

Question 11

According to the text,what is an area of religious experience that sociologists can address?

Accepted Answer

Sociologists can observe and measure the activities and behaviors associated with religion, such as attendance at religious services, participation in religious rituals, and adherence to religious beliefs and values.

Question 12

Monotheism is related to goals of political unification.What is it a belief in?

Accepted Answer

Monotheism is the belief in one god, and it has often been linked to political unification as it can help to create a shared sense of identity and purpose among a group of people. However, it is not necessarily related to one church, one religion, or one government.

Question 13

In a sociology class,Janette was asked to offer Marx's perspective of religion in one sentence.Which of the following would she say?

Accepted Answer

Marx believed that religion was a creation of man, rather than a divine entity creating religion. He argued that religion is a product of human society and reflects the economic and social relations in which people live. Therefore, the best answer is D: "Man makes religion; religion does not make man."

Question 14

According to the text,who would be the least likely to attend religious services?

Accepted Answer

The text states that people who are employed full-time and have children are less likely to attend religious services. Therefore, Mary, who is a sole-support mother of two and employed full-time, would be the least likely to attend religious services.

Question 15

According to recent research and analyses conducted by Bibby (2009,2011),what is the relationship between holding a definite belief in God and affirming the interpersonal values that make for civility?

Accepted Answer

According to the research conducted by Bibby (2009, 2011), both adults and teens show a consistent and positive relationship between holding a definite belief in God and affirming the interpersonal values that make for civility.

Question 16

Given a market model understanding of religion,what would the Roman Catholic,Anglican,and Eastern Orthodox churches represent?

Accepted Answer

In a market model understanding of religion, these churches can be seen as competitive multinational corporations, as they operate in various countries, compete for adherents, and offer distinct religious "products" or doctrines. This analogy highlights their global presence and the competitive nature of religious adherence, rather than focusing on financial aspects.

Question 17

Sally is happiest when she is working in her home,making sure it is neat and clean,preparing meals for her family,and ensuring that her children are content.Weber would argue that this approach to hard work is part of Sally's religious upbringing.What label would he apply to it?

Accepted Answer

The Protestant ethic, as described by Weber, values hard work, frugality, and the accumulation of wealth as a sign of God's favor. It is often linked to Protestant Christianity and its emphasis on individual responsibility and diligence. Sally's approach to work and home life fits with this ethic, as she derives satisfaction from her productivity and service to her family.

Question 18

What trend is found among Canadians claiming to have no religion?

Accepted Answer

According to research, many Canadians who claim to have no religion still participate in religious rituals or ceremonies related to important life events such as marriage and childbirth. This suggests that there is a trend towards reaffiliating with religion following such events.

Question 19

David works Monday to Friday as a lawyer.On weekends he attends his temple and volunteers with its youth counselling program.Which effect do his weekend activities most likely have on his life?

Accepted Answer

David's weekend activities likely bring him a sense of fulfillment and purpose outside of his career, which can contribute to overall happiness and satisfaction in life.

Question 20

Which perspective assumes that life has "no ultimate meaning" without human participation?

Accepted Answer

The perspective that assumes that life has "no ultimate meaning" without human participation is the humanist perspective. Humanism is a philosophical perspective that emphasizes the importance of human agency and rational thought. Humanists believe that life has no inherent meaning or purpose, but that human beings can create meaning through their actions and interactions with the world. This perspective assumes that humans are responsible for creating meaning and purpose in their own lives.

Quiz 14: Religion