Question 1

Patrick is riding the elevator to his apartment when he hears a noise and then notices a foul smell being emitted from a fellow passenger.He does not say anything to the other passenger but quietly holds his breath until they reach his floor,where he smiles and nods respectfully at the other,and steps off the elevator.What is Patrick engaging in with the other passenger on the elevator?

Accepted Answer

Patrick is engaging in civil inattention, which is a term used to describe the way in which individuals in public places, such as elevators, acknowledge each other's presence while avoiding any interaction that might be perceived as intrusive. In this case, Patrick chooses to remain silent and hold his breath in order to maintain polite distance from the other passenger.

Question 2

Maddy is at the park and looking for someone interesting to talk with.She sees a number of women with strollers but dismisses them as uninteresting.What behaviour is Maddy engaging in?

Accepted Answer

Maddy is making assumptions about the women with strollers based on their appearance (having strollers) and dismissing them as uninteresting without even talking to them. This is an example of stereotyping.

Question 3

Which of the following theorists is well known for his work on ethnomethodology?

Accepted Answer

Harold Garfinkel is well known for his work on ethnomethodology, which is a perspective that examines how people make sense of their everyday social world through the use of shared norms, values, and language. Max Weber is known for his work on sociological theory, Erving Goffman is known for his work on symbolic interactionism, and George Herbert Mead is known for his work on the development of the self.

Question 4

Matthew decides to try an experiment to see how people react when he walks beside them,slowing his pace when they do,and speeding up when they do.What kind of experiment is he engaged in?

Accepted Answer

Matthew's experiment is focused on observing social interactions and behaviors in everyday situations, which is the core of ethnomethodological research. Ethnomethodology studies how individuals create and maintain social order, and this experiment involves Matthew testing how people react to his adjustments in pace while he walks beside them. The other choices don't fit the experiment's specific goals or methodology.

Question 5

According to the textbook,which of the following best describes what most social interaction typically involves?

Accepted Answer

Most social interaction involves both non-verbal and verbal messages. Verbal messages include the words we use, while non-verbal messages include our tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions. Both verbal and non-verbal messages are important in communicating our thoughts, feelings, and intentions in social interactions.

Question 6

Larry and Kris are commonly seen standing close together,almost but not quite touching.As seen through North American eyes,what is their relationship most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

In North American cultures, standing very close together is typically a behavior exhibited by individuals who have a close personal relationship, such as lovers.

Question 7

Which of the following words elicited a lot of confusion between visiting North Americans and their educated Japanese hosts because the word was considered rude for them to say?

Accepted Answer

The word "no" caused a lot of confusion between visiting North Americans and their educated Japanese hosts because the word was considered rude in Japanese culture to say directly. Instead, they often used indirect language and suggestions to convey negativity, which could be misinterpreted by North Americans as an agreement or affirmation. The other words listed do not have the same cultural implications.

Question 8

Which of the following facial expressions was discussed in the textbook as useful in concealing anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Smiling is often used to mask or conceal anxiety, as it can project a sense of calmness and confidence to others.

Question 9

Simon from Manitoba is meeting his new sales manager,Leonard from British Columbia,for the first time.According to North American conventions,how far apart will they be most likely to stand at that first meeting?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Simon from Manitoba is meeting his new...

Question 10

Which of the following sociological terms refers to visual signs that give information about a person's social position?

Accepted Answer

Status cues refer to visual or physical signs that give information about a person's social status or position, such as clothing, accessories, posture, and language. Stereotypes are preconceived and often oversimplified ideas about certain groups of people. Frontstage props are objects or items that individuals use to convey a certain image or impression to others in a social setting. Ethnomethodological markers refer to the subtle cues or signals that people use to navigate social interactions and interpret meaning in everyday situations.

Question 11

Why are humans better language translators than computers?

Accepted Answer

Meaning in language depends on context, which can be difficult for computers to understand without proper programming. Humans have the ability to understand the nuances of language and can interpret the meaning of words and phrases based on the situation in which they are used.

Question 12

Doctors at the hospital typically wear white lab coats and carry stethoscopes around their necks.What do sociologists call these things?

Accepted Answer

Sociologists refer to objects or characteristics that communicate a person's social status or role as status cues. In this case, the white lab coat and stethoscope are status cues that are commonly associated with the profession of being a doctor.

Question 13

Whenever Astrid goes out to the bar,she checks men's hands for a wedding ring.Why does she do that?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Whenever Astrid goes out to the bar,she...

Question 14

What is the job of the ethnomethodologist?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the job of the ethnomethodologist?
...

Question 15

Harry and Ken are standing about one metre from each other.As seen through North American eyes,what is their relationship most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

In North America, it is common for friends to stand about one metre apart while having a conversation. It is less likely for business or professional relationships to stand this close, and standing this close could be seen as intimate in a romantic relationship.

Question 16

In order to understand cultural nuances and what may be appropriate in a given situation,what do humans rely upon besides language?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In order to understand cultural nuances and...

Question 17

Anthony is excited because he managed to get tickets to hear his favourite poet,Kevin Krahl,read at a local venue.According to North American conventions,how far apart are Kevin and Anthony likely to be throughout the poetry reading?

Accepted Answer

In a typical North American venue setting, the audience is usually seated several meters away from the stage where the performer is, making it likely that Kevin and Anthony are 3.5 or more meters apart.

Question 18

Whenever Astrid goes out to the bar,she checks men's hands for a wedding ring.In sociological terms,what is she looking for?

Accepted Answer

Astrid is looking for status cues, specifically the presence or absence of a wedding ring, which would signify whether or not the man is married. This information would give Astrid an idea of the man's social status and availability for potential interaction.

Question 19

Matthew decides to try an experiment to see how people react when he walks beside them,slowing his pace when they do,and speeding up when they do.What is likely to be a common reaction to Matthew's experiment?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Matthew decides to try an experiment to...

Question 20

The textbook discusses an article in Cosmopolitan magazine that urges women to invade a man's personal space as a means of gaining his attention.Why might this work?

Accepted Answer

Because it disrupts North American norms about gender and social status.

Quiz 5: Social Interaction