Question 1

What kind of thinking is represented by the following statement: "I'm right because I can't think of any contrary cases."?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What kind of thinking is represented by...

Question 2

Which of the following sociologists is known as the foremost proponent of functionalism?

Accepted Answer

Talcott Parsons is known as the foremost proponent of functionalism. He developed the theory of functionalism, which emphasized the interdependence and interconnectedness of different parts of society and how they work together to maintain overall social stability and order.

Question 3

Which of the following would be a statement representing knowledge based on ego-defence?

Accepted Answer

The statement "I can't be wrong" represents knowledge based on ego-defence, as it is a defense mechanism used to protect one's self-esteem and deny any possibility of being incorrect. The other options do not necessarily represent ego-defence.

Question 4

What kinds of social ideas were constructed by diverse ancient and medieval civilizations?

Accepted Answer

Many ancient and medieval civilizations constructed ideas about the ideal or utopian society. For example, Plato's Republic in ancient Greece, Confucianism in China, and the Islamic concept of the caliphate all laid out specific visions for a perfect society.

Question 5

Which of the following terms describes sociological ideas that are used to explain social behaviour?

Accepted Answer

Theories are explanations or models of how and why social phenomena occur. They are used to understand and predict social behavior.

Question 6

According to the text, what sociological lesson was produced by the Democratic Revolution?

Accepted Answer

The text states that the Democratic Revolution "produced a sociological lesson: that it was possible for people to change society."

Question 7

Ming is in an abusive relationship with her husband, but has remained in the marriage for several years. She endures the abuse not because she is weak willed but because in her culture it is unacceptable to get a divorce. C. Wright Mills would say this explanation was made by a person who possesses which theoretical understanding?

Accepted Answer

C. Wright Mills' concept of sociological imagination refers to the ability to understand personal troubles within a larger social context. In this case, Ming's decision to remain in an abusive marriage is influenced by cultural norms and values, which is an example of how individual experiences are shaped by wider societal forces.

Question 8

Andrew is one of many successful businessmen who use cocaine on a regular basis to help deal with the stress associated with their jobs. Which of the following would best help us to understand this issue?

Accepted Answer

The concept of sociological imagination helps us to understand how personal troubles, such as Andrew's drug use, are linked to larger social and historical forces. It allows us to take a broader perspective on issues and consider their social significance, rather than simply blaming individuals for their behavior. Functional deviance and sociological functionality are related concepts, but not as relevant to this specific scenario. Exploitive imagination is not a relevant concept.

Question 9

"The increasing suicide rates in today's society are a reflection of limited access to education and jobs." Which theory would this statement typify?

Accepted Answer

This statement reflects the functionalist theory, which posits that social problems arise when certain institutions, such as education and employment, are not functioning properly. The lack of access to education and jobs can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, which may contribute to an increase in suicide rates.

Question 10

Suppose that a friend accepts that something is true because he saw it with his own eyes. Why is this an example of nonscientific knowledge?

Accepted Answer

Seeing something with one's own eyes is an example of casual inspection, which is not a rigorous scientific method of acquiring knowledge. Scientific knowledge is based on systematic observation and experimentation, in order to establish a causal relationship between variables. Therefore, relying solely on one's visual perception is not a sufficient basis for scientific knowledge.

Question 11

Bill can't get a job, even though he has a strong résumé. He is unemployed because of the recession and not because he is lazy or unskilled. C. Wright Mills would say this explanation was made by a person who possesses which theoretical understanding?

Accepted Answer

The explanation provided reflects the concept of sociological imagination, which suggests that personal troubles cannot be understood without considering broader social structures and historical context.

Question 12

Which of the following statements best characterizes functionalism?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism stresses that social behaviour is about relatively stable patterns of social relations, which emphasize the functions that different aspects of society contribute to the overall stability and functioning of the society as a whole.

Question 13

Which of the following approaches to the study of society did Auguste Comte advocate?

Accepted Answer

Auguste Comte is known as the founder of positivism, which is a scientific approach to the study of society. He believed that society could be understood by applying the same scientific methods used in the natural sciences, such as observation, experimentation, and measurement. Therefore, his approach to the study of society was scientific.

Question 14

Which of the following concepts is central to a functionalist approach?

Accepted Answer

Social equilibrium is a central concept in functionalism, as functionalists view society as a system in which different parts work together to maintain stability and balance. The focus is on how different institutions, such as the family, education, and government, each serve a specific function in maintaining the overall social order. Competing interests, men's dominance, and face-to-face interaction are not necessarily central concepts in functionalism.

Question 15

A feminist sociologist's interest in researching the sex trade may stem from thinking about female exploitation in a patriarchal society. In this case, which of the following terms reflects her motivation for choosing this topic?

Accepted Answer

Values reflect the sociologist's motivation as they pertain to her concern about female exploitation and the desire to address issues of inequality and injustice in a patriarchal society.

Question 16

Why would a sociological theory be referred to as tentative?

Accepted Answer

Sociological theories are usually tentative because further research could make the theory invalid or incomplete. As new data and research emerges, theories may need to be revised or updated to better explain social phenomena. This means that even well-established theories are subject to change or modification based on new evidence.

Question 17

A conscientious coffee consumer eager to thwart exploitation of plantation workers in developing countries buys nothing but fair-trade coffee. According to C. Wright Mills, what does this consumer possess?

Accepted Answer

The conscientious coffee consumer who is aware of the exploitation of plantation workers in developing countries and chooses to only buy fair-trade coffee demonstrates sociological imagination, as they are able to connect personal troubles (their desire to drink ethically sourced coffee) to larger social issues (the exploitation of workers in the global south).

Question 18

Which of the following terms refers to attributing the cause of one's experiences to supernatural forces?

Accepted Answer

Mystification refers to attributing the cause of one's experiences to supernatural forces. Creation refers to the act of bringing something into existence, invention refers to the creation or design of something new, and imagination refers to the ability to form new ideas, concepts, or images in the mind. None of these terms specifically refer to attributing the cause of one's experiences to supernatural forces.

Question 19

Which component of a sociologist's character is reflected in his or her selection of issues to study?

Accepted Answer

A sociologist's values play a crucial role in determining the issues they choose to study. Their personal beliefs and values influence what they view as important and worth analyzing, as well as the lens through which they approach their research. Prejudices and biases can also play a role in shaping a sociologist's selection of issues, but these are inherently negative and can impede objectivity in their research. While concepts are important for a sociologist to understand and use in their research, they are not necessarily reflected in the issues they choose to study.

Question 20

Which of the following perspectives assumes that society is stable and orderly?

Accepted Answer

The functionalist perspective assumes that society is stable and orderly, with each part of society serving a specific function to maintain social stability. Functionalists believe that social institutions work together to maintain social order and that social change happens slowly over time as society adapts to new circumstances.

Quiz 1: Introduction to Sociology