Which of the following statements would be most convincing to a sociologist if you were trying to explain the shift from A-mode and B-mode responses to C-mode responses on the Twenty Statements Test?
A) Americans have become more and more generous over the years, and their answers reflect a desire to give something back.
B) People care less about what researchers think about them, so they are more likely to answer honestly and admit that they've always been selfish.
C) The accelerated pace of social change makes it increasingly difficult to think about the self in terms of group membership.
D) There has been a fundamental shift in individual values and psychology that has led to a long-term change in American social structure.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

C-mode responses reflect an emphasis on individuality and personal attributes, rather than group membership or social roles. The accelerated pace of social change means that individuals are increasingly defining themselves in terms of their personal qualities and experiences, rather than their social roles or group memberships. This shift is reflected in the move away from A-mode and B-mode responses (which emphasize group membership and social roles) towards C-mode responses. Option A is unlikely to be persuasive for sociologists as it is based on a broad generalization without evidence. Option B is unlikely to be persuasive as it relies on assumptions about honesty and self-awareness that may be difficult to measure. Option D is unlikely to be persuasive as it suggests a fundamental shift in values and psychology without supporting evidence.

Which of the Following Statements Would Be Most Convincing to a Sociologist