Question 1

If you treat social category memberships as fluid constructions that are performed in discourse, rather than as fixed categories dictated by cultural ideology, your views are likely aligned with:

Accepted Answer

Poststructural critics view social categories as fluid and constructed through discourse, challenging fixed categories imposed by cultural ideologies.

Question 2

Which of the following would not be considered a critical studies methodology?

Accepted Answer

Dramatistic criticism is more focused on the analysis of symbolic action and rhetoric rather than the critical examination of cultural, gender, or economic power structures, which are central to critical studies methodologies.

Question 3

Foucault argued that knowledge could not be separated from the language used to describe it; he called this phenomenon:

Accepted Answer

Foucault's concept of "discursive formations" refers to the idea that knowledge is constructed through language and discourse, and cannot be separated from the language used to describe it.

Question 4

Criticism that attributes power imbalance to the ways language is used, rather to some objectively verifiable social structure, is called:

Accepted Answer

Poststructural criticism focuses on how language and discourse shape power dynamics and social structures, rather than attributing them to fixed, objective realities.

Question 5

Lyotard and Foucault are the theorists most often associated with:

Accepted Answer

Lyotard and Foucault are key figures in postmodern criticism, focusing on the nature of knowledge, power, and the deconstruction of grand narratives.

Question 6

If you view communication as performative and ideological, then your critical study of a topic should examine:

Accepted Answer

Viewing communication as performative and ideological involves examining the language used (A), how people enact or embody the discourse (B), and the underlying values that support these behaviors and discourses (C).

Question 7

Inversion is a term that refers to:

Accepted Answer

Inversion refers to the reversal of roles, status, or social positions in varying contexts, often used in literature and social sciences to explore power dynamics and social structures.

Question 8

Derrida is the theorist most often associated with this analytic move in critical studies:

Accepted Answer

Derrida is most often associated with deconstruction, a critical approach that seeks to uncover and challenge the assumptions and contradictions in texts.

Question 9

Coherent interpretations are:

Accepted Answer

Coherent interpretations are consistent, intelligible, and logical, making all the options correct.

Question 10

What does it mean to establish impact as a warrant in critical studies?

Accepted Answer

Establishing impact as a warrant in critical studies involves demonstrating both awareness and change in thought or action regarding oppressive ideologies or structures.

Question 11

Critical scholars differ from rhetorical critics by:

Accepted Answer

Critical scholars focus on identifying and analyzing macro-level power structures and inequalities, often using existing theories to understand these dynamics, whereas rhetorical critics may focus more on the persuasive elements of communication.

Question 12

This critical studies approach frequently critiques capitalism by describing and evaluating the economic arrangements that most contribute to unequal power distribution in society:

Accepted Answer

Marxist criticism focuses on the critique of capitalism and examines how economic arrangements contribute to power imbalances and social inequality.

Question 13

"Intersectionality" is another term for:

Accepted Answer

Intersectionality refers to the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, which can create overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage, similar to the concept of hybridity in blending different identities.

Question 14

A scholar is examining how university web sites seem to emphasize pictures and videos of men in positions of authority and in scientific disciplines and deemphasizes visuals of women in similar roles. The scholar likely is studying:

Accepted Answer

The scholar is likely studying the "gender binary," which refers to the traditional classification of gender into two distinct and opposite forms, typically male and female. The emphasis on men in authoritative and scientific roles and the deemphasis on women in similar roles reflects societal norms and stereotypes associated with the gender binary.

Question 15

These critics explore how power is instantiated in multimodal communication:

Accepted Answer

The answer of These critics explore how power is instantiated...

Question 16

A critical studies scholar might use which of the following as evidence in a study:

Accepted Answer

A critical studies scholar can use actions, events, texts, and even their own beliefs and experiences as evidence, as this field often involves analyzing cultural and social phenomena from multiple perspectives.

Question 17

When a researcher considers questions related to whose voices should be heard, whose interpretations are correct, and who says what reforms are needed in society, the researcher is thinking about:

Accepted Answer

The politics of representation involves considering whose voices are prioritized, whose interpretations are deemed valid, and who has the authority to suggest societal reforms.

Question 18

Critical narrative analysis differs from rhetorical narrative analysis by its emphasis on:

Accepted Answer

Critical narrative analysis focuses on examining power dynamics and struggles within stories, unlike rhetorical narrative analysis, which may focus more on the persuasive elements and coherence of the narrative.

Question 19

To consider and acknowledge your positionality as a researcher, you should:

Accepted Answer

Being reflexive involves recognizing and critically reflecting on how your own background, experiences, and perspectives influence your research process and outcomes.

Question 20

Lyotard's (1984) postmodern turn refers to:

Accepted Answer

Lyotard's postmodern turn involves a shift from traditional social structures to focusing on ideology, representation, and discourse as the primary sites of power struggles, thus encompassing both A and B.

Quiz 16: Critical Studies: Evaluating and Reforming Ideologies