Question 1

Why is the concept of positive deviance controversial?

Accepted Answer

Deviance is traditionally seen as behavior that violates social norms, often with negative implications, making the idea of "positive deviance" (behaviors that are outside of the norm but have positive outcomes) controversial because it challenges this conventional understanding.

Question 2

How do some sociologists counter the claim that positive deviance is not a contradiction in terms?

Accepted Answer

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Question 3

Which of the following statements about positive deviance is true?

Accepted Answer

Not everyone agrees that positive deviance is possible reflects the diversity of opinions within the sociological community regarding the concept of positive deviance. This concept suggests that certain types of deviant behavior can actually have positive outcomes or be beneficial in some contexts, but there is debate over its validity and applicability.

Question 4

What is the main characteristic of positive deviance?

Accepted Answer

Positive deviance refers to an individual or group behavior that is above the normative standards in a positive way, often leading to beneficial outcomes for the community or organization.

Question 5

Which type of positive deviance is exemplified by Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Accepted Answer

Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. is often associated with charisma due to his powerful and inspiring leadership in the civil rights movement, which motivated and mobilized many people towards social change.

Question 6

Stephen Hawking, who contributed immeasurably to the scientific understanding of black holes, is an example of ______.

Accepted Answer

Stephen Hawking's contributions to the understanding of black holes demonstrate innovation, as he developed new theories and ideas that significantly advanced scientific knowledge in this area.

Question 7

Mother Theresa, widely known for her self-sacrifice in caring for the poor and sick, provides an example of the ______ category of positive deviance.

Accepted Answer

Mother Theresa's actions are an example of altruism, which refers to selflessly caring for the welfare of others, a key characteristic of her work with the poor and sick.

Question 8

The form of positive deviance referred to as ______ is an unwavering commitment to following through on all promises to complete a task.

Accepted Answer

Hyperresponsibility refers to an individual's extreme commitment to fulfilling their promises and completing tasks, going beyond the norm in terms of responsibility.

Question 9

What is different about how Sternberg and Lubart approach creativity as a form of positive deviance?

Accepted Answer

Sternberg and Lubart suggest that creativity is a skill that can be developed and nurtured, rather than being solely an innate trait.

Question 10

The distinguishing characteristics of persons who make significant discoveries are (1) mentoring by an accomplished scientist or scholar, (2) intense involvement in creative hobbies or leisure pursuits, and (3) ______.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The distinguishing characteristics of persons who make...

Question 11

Which of the following is one of the six individual resources that Sternberg and Lubart identified as essential for creative activity?

Accepted Answer

Sternberg and Lubart identified environmental context as one of the six resources essential for creativity, as it influences the opportunities and constraints for creative work.

Question 12

Sternberg and Lubart identified six individual resources essential for creativity. Which of the following are related to the resource they called "intelligence?"

Accepted Answer

Sternberg and Lubart's conception of intelligence as a resource for creativity includes three aspects: synthetic (the ability to see problems in new ways and to recognize ideas that are worth pursuing), analytic (the ability to analyze one's own ideas critically and to sell those ideas to others), and practical (the ability to translate theory into practice and abstract ideas into practical accomplishments).

Question 13

Which of the following is one of the seven basic values associated with highly productive scientists identified by Hardy?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is one of...

Question 14

Highly productive scholars tend to believe in ______, the view that the world is orderly and that empirical events form discernible patterns.

Accepted Answer

Naturalism is the belief that the world follows a specific order and that empirical events can be understood through discernible patterns, aligning with the description given.

Question 15

Hadeel is a Nobel prizewinner. Both her parents were recipients of a MacArthur "Genius Grant," she attended Harvard University, and her mentor was a former Nobel prizewinner himself. What do all the characteristics together reflect?

Accepted Answer

These characteristics reflect an "accumulation of advantage," where each aspect of Hadeel's background and experiences builds upon the others to create a compounded benefit, enhancing her likelihood of success and recognition.

Question 16

Which statement accurately compares Jewish and Catholic Nobel Prize recipients?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which statement accurately compares Jewish and Catholic...

Question 17

Faith is a Puritan, living in a society characterized by high levels of social integration. What would Durkheim suggest about Faith?

Accepted Answer

Durkheim's theory suggests that high levels of social integration, typical of Puritan societies, discourage deviance by promoting conformity to social norms. This environment is less conducive to innovation and creativity, which often require breaking away from established norms.

Question 18

Which statement correctly summarizes the societal reaction theory of positive deviance?

Accepted Answer

The societal reaction theory of positive deviance suggests that when society reacts positively to deviant behaviors that are actually beneficial or exceed norms in a positive way, those behaviors are likely to continue or be reinforced.

Question 19

The United States in the 1960s was a time of increased social conflict. Dr. Mohammed believes that the amount of social conflict indicated a need for extensive social change; therefore, he expects to see more positive deviance. Which theory is he using?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Mohammed's perspective aligns with conflict theory, which suggests that societal conflict, often arising from inequalities and differing interests among social groups, can lead to social change. This theory emphasizes the role of power dynamics and the struggle for resources in shaping social relations and institutions.

Question 20

Which statement summarizes Coser's conflict approach to positive deviance?

Accepted Answer

Coser's conflict approach suggests that social conflict, including class conflict, can lead to social change by highlighting the need for such change. Positive deviance, in this context, is seen as a mechanism through which societies adapt to new challenges or injustices, thereby indicating a correlation between the need for social change (as highlighted by conflict) and the occurrence of positive deviance.

Quiz 14: Positive Deviance