Ann, Gloria, Sandra, and John were college students who met for the first time in a sociology class. They studied together for the tests, pooling their notes. Otherwise, they saw each other only occasionally when their paths crossed between classes. Sociologists would term their relationship as __________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The relationship between Ann, Gloria, Sandra, and John can be best described as a secondary group. This is because their relationship is based on a specific function - studying for tests, and they have limited or occasional interaction outside of that function. They do not have a strong emotional bond or long-term commitment to each other, which are characteristics of a primary group. It is not a formal group because they did not have a specific organizational structure or hierarchy. It is not an informal group because they were not formed based on common interests or socializing.

Ann, Gloria, Sandra, and John Were College Students Who Met