Question 1

Which of the following topics is most likely to be the topic of study of a social constructionist?
A)why marijuana use, but not alcohol and nicotine use, are illegal
B)how rapid social change weakens traditional rules for behavior
C)how the economic structure of society determines power differences
D)how unequal social classes create conflicts of interest in society

Accepted Answer

Social constructionists study how social phenomena are created through social processes and interactions. The legality of substances like marijuana, alcohol, and nicotine is a social construct, making it a suitable topic for social constructionist study.

Question 2

Susan's parents and teachers often bragged about what a smart girl she was, so Susan grew up believing she could learn any subject if she tried hard enough.This phenomenon illustrates
A)looking-glass self.
B)alienation.
C)a macro perspective.
D)anomie.

Accepted Answer

The looking-glass self is a concept where an individual's self-concept is influenced by how they believe others perceive them. Susan's belief in her ability to learn any subject is shaped by the positive feedback from her parents and teachers.

Question 3

Which of the following theoretical perspectives reflects microsociology?
A)symbolic interactionism
B)structural-functionalism
C)Marxist conflict
D)non-Marxist conflict

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism is a microsociological perspective that focuses on small-scale, face-to-face interactions and the meanings individuals attach to these interactions.

Question 4

Which of the following is a major source of alienation in industrial societies, according to Marxist conflict theorists?
A)lack of socially shared symbols of communication
B)the primary groups to which individuals belong
C)limited and repetitive tasks of specialized workers
D)lack of effective sanctions in society

Accepted Answer

Marxist conflict theorists argue that alienation in industrial societies arises from the limited and repetitive tasks of specialized workers, which disconnects them from the products of their labor and the production process.

Question 5

Symbolic interactionism emphasizes that
A)societal institutions meet the needs of people in society.
B)institutional inequalities cause social problems.
C)human behavior is influenced by meanings that are created through social interaction.
D)the important symbols of society are distributed unequally.

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism is a theoretical approach in sociology that emphasizes the role of symbols and meaning in human interaction and behavior. According to this perspective, individuals create and interpret their social world through interaction with others, and the meanings they attach to symbols and gestures shape their behavior and attitudes. Therefore, human behavior is influenced by the meanings that are created through social interaction. Choice A is incorrect as Societal institutions are not the focus of symbolic interactionism. Choice B is incorrect as institutional inequalities and social problems are not the primary focus of symbolic interactionism. Choice D is incorrect as symbolic interactionism does not focus on the unequal distribution of symbols in society.

Question 6

Which perspective claims our identity or sense of self is shaped by social interaction?
A)social disorganization
B)social pathology
C)symbolic interactionism
D)Non-Marxist conflict theory

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism is a sociological perspective that emphasizes the role of social interactions in the development of an individual's identity or sense of self.

Question 7

The ________ perspective often questions the origin and evolution of social problems and examines how research, government agencies, and the media influence the public's view of social problems.
A)labeling
B)social pathology
C)social disorganization
D)social constructionism

Accepted Answer

The social constructionist perspective focuses on how social problems are constructed and constructed differently across time and location. This perspective questions the origin and evolution of social problems and examines how research, government agencies, and the media influence the public's view of social problems. It emphasizes that social problems are not objective conditions but rather are socially constructed by collective human actions and interpretations.

Question 8

________ are most likely to see the solution to social problems as solving differences through negotiation or mediation and finding win-win answers.
A)Non-Marxist conflict theorists
B)Marxist conflict theorists
C)Symbolic interactionists
D)Structural functionalists

Accepted Answer

The answer of ________ are most likely to see the...

Question 9

To reduce the social problem of underage drinking, ______ would recommend a campaign to encourage teenagers to define alcohol consumption as "un-cool."
A)labeling theory
B)social pathology
C)social disorganization
D)conflict theory

Accepted Answer

Labeling theory suggests that behavior is shaped by the labels or categories given to individuals within society. In this case, encouraging teenagers to define alcohol consumption as "un-cool" would be a form of labeling that could potentially change their behavior and reduce the social problem of underage drinking.

Question 10

Microsociologists, such as W.I.Thomas, believe that human action is influenced mostly by
A)the social organization of a social situation.
B)definitions of a situation.
C)objective inequalities that exist in a situation.
D)feelings of alienation that occur from lack of power.

Accepted Answer

According to microsociologists like W.I.Thomas, human action is primarily influenced by the definitions of a situation. This means that individuals make sense of and respond to social situations based on their personal interpretations and understanding of what is happening.

Question 11

According to Herbert Blumer the first stage of a social problem is
A)mobilization for action.
B)societal recognition.
C)implementation of a plan.
D)social legitimation.

Accepted Answer

According to Herbert Blumer, the first stage of a social problem is societal recognition, which refers to the stage where a condition or behavior is identified as a problem requiring public attention and action. This stage involves the identification, definition, and labeling of an issue as a social problem by various actors in society such as media, politicians, experts, and advocacy groups. This recognition sets the stage for further action such as mobilization, plan implementation, and legitimation.

Question 12

Non-Marxist conflict theories focus on social conflict that results from
A)weak norms.
B)social disorganization.
C)competing values and interests among groups.
D)lack of communication among groups.

Accepted Answer

Non-Marxist conflict theories focus on the competing values and interests among different groups in society, rather than just economic factors. These theories see conflict arising from groups' efforts to advance their own interests, resulting in tension and often leading to inequality or power imbalances. Weak norms or social disorganization and lack of communication can be factors, but they are not the central focus of these theories.

Question 13

Which of the following social policies is most likely to be advocated by a structural-functionalist?
A)cultivate a strong collective sense of right and wrong
B)minimize competition
C)reduce the impact of labeling
D)alter the definition of what is defined as a social problem

Accepted Answer

Structural-functionalism emphasizes the importance of social cohesion and stability, which can be achieved by cultivating a strong collective sense of right and wrong.

Question 14

Which of the following social policies is most likely to be advocated by a conflict theorist?
A)repair weak institutions
B)assure proper socialization
C)create an equitable system for the distribution of resources
D)reduce the pace of social change

Accepted Answer

Conflict theorists focus on addressing inequalities and power imbalances in society, so they would advocate for creating an equitable system for the distribution of resources.

Question 15

Symbolic interactionist Herbert Blumer said that social problems develop in stages.In the ________ stage, a condition is recognized as a social problem by the larger community, such as media, schools, and churches.
A)objectification
B)social legitimation
C)mobilization
D)implementation

Accepted Answer

The social legitimation stage is when a condition is recognized as a social problem by the larger community, such as the media, schools, and churches. This is when the issue gains recognition and legitimacy as a social problem. The other stages are: objectification, where a social problem is first noticed and defined; mobilization, where people start to take action to address the problem; and implementation, where solutions are put into action.

Question 16

Conflict theory is more likely than structural-functionalism or symbolic interactionism to view the cause of social problems as
A)rapid social change.
B)different interpretations of social roles.
C)inequality.
D)inadequate socialization.

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory emphasizes the role of power and inequality in society. Therefore, it is more likely to view the cause of social problems as rooted in inequality, rather than rapid social change (A), different interpretations of social roles (B), or inadequate socialization (D).

Question 17

Which theoretical perspective emphasizes that a condition must be defined or recognized as a social problem in order to be a social problem?
A)structural-functionalism
B)Marxist conflict theory
C)Non-Marxist conflict theory
D)Symbolic-Interactionism

Accepted Answer

Symbolic-Interactionism emphasizes that social problems are defined through social interactions and perceptions, meaning a condition must be recognized as a social problem to be considered one.

Question 18

The first stage in conducting a research study is
A)reviewing the literature.
B)formulating a research question.
C)formulating a hypothesis.
D)defining variables.

Accepted Answer

Before conducting a research study, researchers must first identify a research question that they wish to investigate. This will guide the research process and help to determine the study's scope, design, and methodology. Reviewing the literature, formulating a hypothesis, and defining variables are all important steps in the research process, but they are typically done after the research question has been identified.

Question 19

Max Weber's concept of ________ implies that, in conducting research, social scientists must try to understand others' view of reality and the subjective aspects of their experiences, such as symbols, values, and beliefs.
A)anomie
B)looking-glass self
C)verstehen
D)alienation

Accepted Answer

Max Weber's concept of verstehen emphasizes the importance of understanding the subjective experiences of others, including their symbols, values, and beliefs. This entails trying to empathize with their perspectives in order to gain a deeper grasp of their reality. Therefore, option C, verstehen, is the correct answer. Options A, B, and D do not align with Weber's concept of verstehen.

Question 20

Alienation refers to
A)feelings of powerlessness and meaningless.
B)dislike of others who have more than you.
C)the intended consequences of social organization.
D)contradictory social norms.

Accepted Answer

Alienation refers to feelings of powerlessness and meaninglessness, often experienced when individuals feel disconnected from their work, society, or sense of self.

Quiz 1: Thinking About Social Problems

Which of the following topics is most likely to be the topic of study of a social constructionist?

Susan's parents and teachers often bragged about what a smart girl she was, so Susan grew up believing she could learn any subject if she tried hard enough.This phenomenon illustrates

Which of the following theoretical perspectives reflects microsociology?

Which of the following is a major source of alienation in industrial societies, according to Marxist conflict theorists?

Symbolic interactionism emphasizes that

Which perspective claims our identity or sense of self is shaped by social interaction?

The ________ perspective often questions the origin and evolution of social problems and examines how research, government agencies, and the media influence the public's view of social problems.

________ are most likely to see the solution to social problems as solving differences through negotiation or mediation and finding win-win answers.

To reduce the social problem of underage drinking, ______ would recommend a campaign to encourage teenagers to define alcohol consumption as "un-cool."

Microsociologists, such as W.I.Thomas, believe that human action is influenced mostly by

According to Herbert Blumer the first stage of a social problem is

Non-Marxist conflict theories focus on social conflict that results from

Which of the following social policies is most likely to be advocated by a structural-functionalist?

Which of the following social policies is most likely to be advocated by a conflict theorist?

Symbolic interactionist Herbert Blumer said that social problems develop in stages.In the ________ stage, a condition is recognized as a social problem by the larger community, such as media, schools, and churches.

Conflict theory is more likely than structural-functionalism or symbolic interactionism to view the cause of social problems as

Which theoretical perspective emphasizes that a condition must be defined or recognized as a social problem in order to be a social problem?

The first stage in conducting a research study is

Max Weber's concept of ________ implies that, in conducting research, social scientists must try to understand others' view of reality and the subjective aspects of their experiences, such as symbols, values, and beliefs.

Alienation refers to