When Shannon started high school, she dated a boy on the football team. The relationship ended badly, and Shannon swore off jocks forever. She avoids sports games and tells everyone she knows how lame school sports are. Recently, she started dating a new boyfriend who has embraced the Goth persona. Shannon thinks he is very cool and wants to be just like him. Shannon views jocks as a(n) _____________________, while she views those who embrace the Gothic lifestyle as a(n) _____________________.
A) dissociative reference group; membership reference group
B) undesirable reference group; desirable reference group
C) dissociative reference group; aspirational reference group
D) negative reference group; positive reference group
E) negative reference group; desirable reference group

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Shannon views jocks as a dissociative reference group because she wants to distance herself from them due to her negative past experiences. On the other hand, she views those who embrace the Gothic lifestyle as an aspirational reference group because she is drawn to their style and wants to be like them, which is a positive desire. Therefore, the best choice is C, which identifies jocks as a dissociative reference group and Gothics as an aspirational reference group.

When Shannon Started High School, She Dated a Boy on the Football