Question 1

The idea that people vary in their perceptions of and reactions to different situations was an observation of W. I. Thomas' "definition of the situation."

Accepted Answer

W. I. Thomas' "definition of the situation" posits that people respond not just to the objective features of a situation, but to their subjective interpretation of it, highlighting the variability in perceptions and reactions among individuals.

Question 2

The "egocentric bias" claims that we tend to be quite egotistical in situations where an action is directed at us.

Accepted Answer

Egocentric bias refers to the tendency to rely too heavily on one's own perspective and/or have a higher regard for oneself than for others, not necessarily to being egotistical in situations where actions are directed at oneself.

Question 3

Self-esteem is governed by three principles: reflected appraisals, social comparisons, and self-attribution.

Accepted Answer

These three principles—reflected appraisals (how we think others view us), social comparisons (how we compare ourselves to others), and self-attribution (the way we interpret our own behavior)—are key factors in shaping an individual's self-esteem.

Question 4

The socialization process ends at the conclusion of adolescence.

Accepted Answer

Socialization is a lifelong process through which individuals acquire norms, values, behaviors, and social skills appropriate to their social positions.

Question 5

Middle adulthood contains more concrete boundaries than infancy, childhood, and adolescence.

Accepted Answer

Middle adulthood, typically considered to range from approximately 40 to 65 years of age, does not have more concrete boundaries than infancy, childhood, and adolescence. The transitions into and out of middle adulthood are often defined more by individual experiences, such as changes in health, career, or family dynamics, rather than by clear biological or social markers. In contrast, infancy, childhood, and adolescence are more commonly delineated by specific developmental milestones and age ranges.

Question 6

The "generalized other" is an attitude children acquire that is essentially the attitude of their parents.

Accepted Answer

The "generalized other" refers to the common behavioral expectations of a society or social group, not just the attitudes of parents. It represents an individual's awareness of the broader societal norms and values.

Question 7

The sociological view of human beings is that

Accepted Answer

The sociological perspective emphasizes that people are not inherently social but become social beings through the process of socialization. This process involves learning the norms, values, and behaviors that are necessary for participating in society. Unlike the notion that behaviors are instinctual or genetically programmed, sociology stresses the role of social interaction and culture in shaping human behavior and identity.

Question 8

The "dramaturgical approach" to understanding socialization and the development of the self utilizes the view of life as a stage on which people interact, with most people playing the role of audience and a few select people being the actors.

Accepted Answer

The dramaturgical approach, proposed by Erving Goffman, suggests that all individuals are actors on the societal stage, playing roles in front of others, not just a select few, with every interaction seen as a performance.

Question 9

Age norms are rules that define what is appropriate for people to be and to do at various ages.

Accepted Answer

Age norms are societal rules and expectations that dictate appropriate behavior, roles, and activities for individuals at different stages of their life, guiding how people should act and what they should achieve at various ages.

Question 10

The "looking-glass self" is Charles Cooley's concept that suggests people tend to see themselves as they imagine others see them.

Accepted Answer

The "looking-glass self" is indeed a concept developed by Charles Cooley, which posits that individuals form their self-image based on how they believe others perceive them.

Question 11

Cases of children raised in conditions of extreme social isolation show the

Accepted Answer

Cases of children raised in extreme social isolation highlight the critical role of social interaction in the development of a normal human personality, demonstrating that without it, even the inherent biological capabilities of humans are insufficient to ensure normal psychological and social development.

Question 12

The process of social interaction through which people acquire the knowledge, attitudes, values, and behaviors essential for effective participation in society is called

Accepted Answer

Socialization is the process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, norms, and social skills necessary to function effectively in society. This encompasses learning the culture, language, and roles within a community or society.

Question 13

In the United States, most people make the transition to adulthood by about the age of 16.

Accepted Answer

In the United States, the transition to adulthood is often marked by various legal age thresholds that are typically reached at 18 (such as voting, joining the military without parental consent) or 21 (such as purchasing alcohol). The age of 16 is generally considered mid-adolescence rather than the onset of adulthood.

Question 14

Erving Goffman's concept, "impression management," refers to the practice of presenting one's self to others in ways that might cause them to view one favorably.

Accepted Answer

Impression management is a term coined by sociologist Erving Goffman which describes the process through which individuals attempt to control the impressions others form of them, especially by manipulating their appearance and the manner in which they present themselves.

Question 15

Today, over 75 percent of Americans die at home.

Accepted Answer

As of the latest data, the majority of Americans do not die at home. While there has been an increase in home deaths, the majority still occur in hospitals, nursing homes, or other healthcare facilities.

Question 16

According to George Herbert Mead, the key to children's development of the self is found in their acquisition of a conscience.

Accepted Answer

George Herbert Mead argued that the key to children's development of the self is through social interaction, particularly through the use of language and play, which helps them understand the perspectives of others and society as a whole, not specifically through the acquisition of a conscience.

Question 17

Genie, Anna, and Isabelle had in common that

Accepted Answer

Genie, Anna, and Isabelle were all cases of children who suffered severe neglect and isolation during their early years, which significantly impacted their development. Their upbringing did not provide them with the necessary social and linguistic stimulation, leading to developmental issues. This does not imply inherent mental retardation but rather a retardation in development due to environmental factors.

Question 18

Cultural diversity in the workplace helped to create the need for greater sensitivity regarding people's use of such nonverbal communication as eye contact.

Accepted Answer

Cultural diversity in the workplace brings together people from different backgrounds, each with their own norms and practices regarding nonverbal communication like eye contact. This diversity necessitates greater sensitivity and understanding to ensure respectful and effective communication among colleagues.

Question 19

Socialization is as important during old age as it is during other stages of adult development.

Accepted Answer

Socialization in old age helps maintain mental health, reduces the risk of cognitive decline, and enhances life satisfaction by providing emotional support and a sense of belonging.

Question 20

The "Thomas Theorem" suggests that people respond only to the objective features of situations they encounter.

Accepted Answer

The Thomas Theorem suggests that if people define situations as real, they are real in their consequences, meaning people respond not just to the objective features of a situation, but to their perceptions and interpretations of these situations.

Quiz 3: Socialization