Question 1

Which early sociologist applied the concept of evolution to societies in order to explain how they change,or evolve,over time?
A) Émile Durkheim
B) Charles Darwin
C) Harriet Martineau
D) Herbert Spencer

Accepted Answer

Herbert Spencer applied the concept of evolution to societies through his theory of social Darwinism, which argued that societies evolve through a process of natural selection, with the strongest and most fit societies surviving and thriving over time.

Question 2

An attempt to explain problems,actions,or behavior in a comprehensive manner is called a (an):
A) science.
B) typology.
C) theory.
D) ideal type.

Accepted Answer

A theory is the best choice as it provides a comprehensive explanation of problems, actions or behavior. It is different from a typology or ideal type which categorizes or describes certain characteristics of an entity, and science is a broader field of knowledge that may include theories, typologies, and other concepts.

Question 3

The discipline of sociology was given its name by the French theorist:
A) Émile Durkheim.
B) Auguste Comte.
C) Harriet Martineau.
D) Marcel Marceau.

Accepted Answer

Auguste Comte is credited with coining the term "sociology" in the 1830s.

Question 4

The word that Max Weber used to stress the need for sociologists to take into account people's emotions,thoughts,beliefs,understandings,and attitudes was:
A) verstehen.
B) Gemeinschaft.
C) anomie.
D) Gesellschaft.

Accepted Answer

Max Weber stressed the importance of verstehen, which means "understanding" in German, as a key concept in sociology. It involves taking into account people's subjective experiences, emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes to gain a more comprehensive understanding of social phenomena.

Question 5

A social scientist would be likely to study the:
A) composition of a meteorite discovered in a remote area of Siberia.
B) reasons for the decreasing divorce rate in the U.S.
C) newest procedure in heart transplant surgery.
D) possibility of life on Mars.

Accepted Answer

The study of the reasons for the decreasing divorce rate in the U.S. falls under the social sciences, specifically sociology or demography. Social scientists are interested in analyzing and understanding social phenomena and behavior, including trends in relationships and family structures. The other options are not related to the social sciences.

Question 6

In his research on suicide,Émile Durkheim's found that:
A) Protestants had higher suicide rates than Catholics.
B) married people had higher suicide rates than unmarried people.
C) civilians had higher suicide rates than soldiers.
D) suicide rates were higher during periods of prosperity than during periods of depression.

Accepted Answer

Durkheim's research found that Protestants had higher suicide rates than Catholics, which he attributed to the weaker social ties and community support among Protestants.

Question 7

Contrary to common sense,a 2007 study of military marriages showed:
A) a significant rise in divorce rates.
B) a significant decrease in divorce rates.
C) no significant increase in the divorce rate.
D) the rate was the same as the civilian rate.

Accepted Answer

The study showed no significant increase in the divorce rate among military marriages.

Question 8

Which social science would study cases of emotional stress,anxiety,and depression related to the earthquake in Haiti?
A) history
B) psychology
C) sociology
D) anthropology

Accepted Answer

Psychology is the social science that studies mental processes and behavior, including emotional stress, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, it is the most appropriate social science to study cases of psychological distress related to the earthquake in Haiti.

Question 9

In many Third World nations,the pace of social change is very rapid and there is significant hunger and starvation,unemployment,and family disruption.Individuals who live in Third World nations are likely to suffer:
A) dialecticism.
B) anomie.
C) verstehen.
D) dramaturgy.

Accepted Answer

The best choice is anomie, which refers to a state of normlessness and social disorganization. The rapid pace of social change and the other problems mentioned in Third World nations can contribute to a breakdown in traditional norms and values, leaving individuals feeling disconnected and adrift. This can lead to a sense of anomie, which can manifest in a variety of ways, including crime, substance abuse, and other forms of deviant behavior.

Question 10

Which social science would be interested in the stances taken by elected officials in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti?
A) history
B) economics
C) sociology
D) political science

Accepted Answer

Political science is the study of government, politics, and public policy. The stances taken by elected officials in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti fall under the domain of politics and public policy, making political science the most appropriate social science to study this issue.

Question 11

A natural scientist would be likely to study:
A) the clothing patterns of a group of people during a hundred-year period.
B) food preparation among a tribal group in New Guinea.
C) rock formations and composition in the Grand Canyon.
D) the interaction between men and women on a college campus.

Accepted Answer

A natural scientist is likely to study the natural world, including things like rocks, minerals, and other aspects of geology. Therefore, the study of rock formations and composition in the Grand Canyon would be a topic that a natural scientist might be interested in. The other options (clothing patterns, food preparation, and social interaction) are not typically studied by natural scientists.

Question 12

The concept of anomie was introduced into sociology by:
A) Auguste Comte.
B) Émile Durkheim.
C) Max Weber.
D)C. Wright Mills.

Accepted Answer

Émile Durkheim introduced the concept of anomie in his book "The Division of Labor in Society" published in 1893.

Question 13

Which sociologist translated the works of Auguste Comte into English and emphasized the impact that the economy,laws,trade,and population could have on contemporary social problems?
A) Émile Durkheim
B) Jane Addams
C) Harriet Martineau
D) Talcott Parsons

Accepted Answer

Harriet Martineau is known for translating Auguste Comte's works into English and emphasizing the impact that the economy, laws, trade, and population could have on contemporary social problems. She is considered one of the earliest feminist social scientists and adapted Comte's positivism to include analysis of gender, race, and class, making important contributions to the sociology of inequalities.

Question 14

Émile Durkheim is known for his classic sociological study of:
A) suicide.
B) abortion.
C) soccer.
D) crowd control.

Accepted Answer

Émile Durkheim is best known for his classic sociological study of suicide, where he analyzed the social factors that can lead an individual to take their own life.

Question 15

Émile Durkheim's study of suicide related suicide rates to:
A) personal depression.
B) personal stress.
C) the extent to which people were integrated into the group life of a society.
D) climatic conditions such as oppressive heat, heavy rain, and cold winters.

Accepted Answer

Émile Durkheim's study of suicide found that suicide rates were related to the extent to which people were integrated into the group life of a society. He argued that the more socially integrated individuals are, the less likely they are to commit suicide, and vice versa. Durkheim believed that social factors, such as the degree of social cohesion and regulation, were the main determinants of suicide. He did not emphasize personal depression or stress, nor did he focus on climatic conditions.

Question 16

Anomie refers to:
A) a model that serves as a measuring rod against which actual cases can be evaluated.
B) a loss of direction that is felt in a society when social control of individual behavior has become ineffective.
C) a classification scheme containing two or more categories.
D) a type of suicide that is based on depression.

Accepted Answer

Anomie is a sociological concept that describes the state of a society where social norms and values have weakened or broken down, leading to a sense of normlessness or "a loss of direction." Anomie can occur when social control of individual behavior becomes ineffective and individuals feel disconnected from the larger society. This can lead to various social problems such as crime, deviance, and alienation.

Question 17

Which social science would be interested in cost comparisons between the use of the death penalty and incarceration for criminal offenders?
A) history
B) economics
C) sociology
D) political science

Accepted Answer

Economics is the social science that studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Comparing the cost of different forms of punishment for criminal offenders falls within this realm.

Question 18

Émile Durkheim's explanation of suicide was scientific because he:
A) developed conclusions based on systematic examination of data.
B) carefully studied the personalities of hundreds of suicide victims.
C) worked in a university setting.
D) divided suicide into four distinctive categories.

Accepted Answer

Durkheim's explanation of suicide was scientific because he used systematic examination of data to develop his conclusions. He analyzed official statistics and divided suicide into four categories based on his findings.

Question 19

Which of the following statements is an example of a sociological theory?
A) Suicide rates are a reflection of whether people are, or are not, integrated into the group life of a society.
B) John's suicide was probably the result of the stress he was feeling at work.
C) Social groups must have three or more members.
D) Betting on horse races increases on sunny days.

Accepted Answer

This statement is an example of Durkheim's theory on suicide, which argues that suicide is not just an individual decision, but also a reflection of the level of integration and social ties someone has with society. The other choices are either not sociological theories or lack empirical evidence.

Question 20

Sociologists argue that,unlike scientific knowledge,common sense conclusions are:
A) not published.
B) not reliable.
C) not politically correct.
D) easily disseminated.

Accepted Answer

Sociologists argue that common sense conclusions are not reliable because they are based on subjective experiences, cultural biases, and limited information. Scientific knowledge, on the other hand, is based on systematic and empirical research, peer review, and theory building, which increase its validity and generalizability.

Quiz 1: Understanding Sociology

Which early sociologist applied the concept of evolution to societies in order to explain how they change,or evolve,over time?

An attempt to explain problems,actions,or behavior in a comprehensive manner is called a (an) :

The discipline of sociology was given its name by the French theorist:

The word that Max Weber used to stress the need for sociologists to take into account people's emotions,thoughts,beliefs,understandings,and attitudes was:

A social scientist would be likely to study the:

In his research on suicide,Émile Durkheim's found that:

Contrary to common sense,a 2007 study of military marriages showed:

Which social science would study cases of emotional stress,anxiety,and depression related to the earthquake in Haiti?

In many Third World nations,the pace of social change is very rapid and there is significant hunger and starvation,unemployment,and family disruption.Individuals who live in Third World nations are likely to suffer:

Which social science would be interested in the stances taken by elected officials in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti?

A natural scientist would be likely to study:

The concept of anomie was introduced into sociology by:

Which sociologist translated the works of Auguste Comte into English and emphasized the impact that the economy,laws,trade,and population could have on contemporary social problems?

Émile Durkheim is known for his classic sociological study of:

Émile Durkheim's study of suicide related suicide rates to:

Anomie refers to:

Which social science would be interested in cost comparisons between the use of the death penalty and incarceration for criminal offenders?

Émile Durkheim's explanation of suicide was scientific because he:

Which of the following statements is an example of a sociological theory?

Sociologists argue that,unlike scientific knowledge,common sense conclusions are: