Question 1

Karl Marx argued that social institutions in a society were the result of the economic makeup of that society.Max Weber argued that:
A) there are no social institutions in a society.
B) ideas influence society,not just economics.
C) Marx was correct.
D) the epistemological stage of that society influenced the social institutions.

Accepted Answer

Weber believed that ideas, values, and beliefs were also important factors in shaping society, not just economics. He believed that religion, for example, played a significant role in shaping the values and beliefs of people and ultimately influenced the development of social institutions. Therefore, option B is the best choice.

Question 2

Which founder of sociology is known,in part,for providing the theoretical foundation of Communism?
A) Auguste Comte
B) Émile Durkheim
C) Karl Marx
D) Max Weber

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx is the founder of sociology who is known for providing the theoretical foundation of Communism. He proposed the idea that all social relations are based on class struggle, and that the eventual downfall of capitalism would lead to a classless society based on communal ownership of the means of production.

Question 3

In Pulp Fiction,two characters discuss how in Holland people put mayonnaise on their french fries instead of ketchup,which the author uses to illustrate the concept of:
A) the sociology of film.
B) the sociological imagination.
C) social institutions.
D) formal sociology.

Accepted Answer

The concept illustrated in this scene is the sociological imagination, which involves being able to see the connection between individual experiences and larger social structures and patterns. The discussion of the differences in food preferences between cultures highlights how even something as seemingly trivial as condiment choices can be influenced by larger cultural factors.

Question 4

The most age-segregated social institution in our society is a:
A) hospital.
B) mental institution.
C) prison.
D) four-year college.

Accepted Answer

Four-year colleges are typically attended by young adults aged 18-22, creating a highly age-segregated environment. Hospitals, mental institutions, and prisons may also be somewhat age-segregated, but they typically serve individuals of a wider range of ages.

Question 5

The "grand narrative" that constitutes a social identity:
A) is nothing more than the sum of individual stories.
B) remains the same throughout time.
C) can be defined only by the individual him- or herself.
D) is displayed online on Instagram and Facebook.

Accepted Answer

The "grand narrative" that constitutes a social identity is indeed more than just individual stories, but it is the collective stories, experiences, and histories of a group that come together to form a larger, cohesive narrative. This narrative helps define the identity of the group as a whole.

Question 6

"Social physics" or "positivism" is best defined as the:
A) idea that we can scientifically and logically study social institutions and the individuals within them.
B) effect of religion on social institutions and the individuals within them.
C) study of the symbolic interactions between social institutions and the individuals within them.
D) relationship between scientific and religious social institutions.

Accepted Answer

Social physics, also known as positivism, is the idea that social institutions and the individuals within them can be studied scientifically and logically. It emphasizes the use of empirical evidence and quantitative methods to understand social phenomena.

Question 7

As defined by C.Wright Mills,which of the following "enables us to grasp history and biography and the relations between the two within society"? 
A) formal sociology
B) sociological imagination
C) microsociology
D) macrosociology

Accepted Answer

C. Wright Mills coined the term "sociological imagination," which refers to the ability to connect individual experiences and circumstances to broader societal issues and historical context. This allows individuals to see how their personal lives are intertwined with larger social forces and systems.

Question 8

According to Auguste Comte,what were the three epistemological stages of human society?
A) the theological stage,the scientific stage,and the postscientific stage
B) the theological stage,the metaphysical stage,and the secular stage
C) the theological stage,the scientific stage,and the positivist stage
D) the theological stage,the metaphysical stage,and the scientific stage

Accepted Answer

Auguste Comte's three epistemological stages of human society are the theological stage (where supernatural explanations were used to explain natural phenomena), the metaphysical stage (where abstract concepts such as God, nature, and essence were used to explain natural phenomena), and the scientific stage (where empirical observations and experiments were used to understand and explain natural phenomena). Therefore, the best choice is D, which lists the theological, metaphysical, and scientific stages.

Question 9

According to social theorist Randall Collins,getting a "piece of paper" is more important to many than actually having the knowledge to do a job.He calls the undue priority placed on formal education:
A) microsociology.
B) credentialism.
C) normlessness.
D) xenophobia.

Accepted Answer

The term "credentialism" refers to the overemphasis on formal education credentials (such as degrees) rather than on actual knowledge and skills. This prioritization of a diploma over actual ability to perform a job is what the social theorist Randall Collins refers to as the undue importance placed on formal education. Therefore, B is the correct answer. A, C, and D are not relevant to this concept.

Question 10

Which of the following is defined as a complex group of interdependent positions that together perform a social role and reproduce themselves over time?
A) a social identity
B) a social institution
C) a theory
D) anomie

Accepted Answer

The definition given in the question matches the definition of a social institution, which is a complex group of interdependent positions that together perform a social role and reproduce themselves over time. A social identity refers to an individual's sense of belonging to a particular social group, and anomie refers to a state of normlessness or lack of social cohesion. A theory is an explanation or interpretation of social phenomena.

Question 11

In government,many social actors such as senators,legislative aides,and voters work together as a complex group of interdependent parts to influence society.Seen in this light,government is a:
A) sociological role.
B) figment of the sociological imagination.
C) society.
D) social institution.

Accepted Answer

The complex group of interdependent parts working together to influence society is a key characteristic of a social institution, which is defined as a set of organized beliefs, rules, and practices that establish a stable framework for social life. Therefore, the government can be considered a social institution.

Question 12

Which of the following sociologists invented the theory of positivism?
A) Auguste Comte
B) Émile Durkheim
C) Karl Marx
D) Max Weber

Accepted Answer

Auguste Comte is widely considered to be the founder of the discipline of sociology and the inventor of the theory of positivism. Positivism is an approach to studying the social world that emphasizes the use of scientific methods to uncover general laws governing human behavior.

Question 13

The Philip Morris Company changed its name to Altria in an attempt to create a new:
A) brand of cigarettes.
B) defense against lawsuits.
C) social identity.
D) multinational company.

Accepted Answer

The Philip Morris Company changed its name to Altria in an attempt to create a new social identity, distancing itself from the negative connotations associated with tobacco products and reflecting its broader focus on a variety of consumer goods.

Question 14

Asha Rangappa,dean of admissions at Yale Law School,explained that most students who apply to Yale Law School have already benefited from opportunities that make them appear to be stronger candidates than those from less advantaged backgrounds.In the sociological perspective,this implies that: 
A) as a social institution,education tends to reinforce existing inequalities.
B) education is the best opportunity for reducing inequality.
C) America's universities are not social institutions.
D) Yale Law School is an exceptional case of inequality.

Accepted Answer

Asha Rangappa's statement suggests that the current system of education reinforces existing inequalities. Students from privileged backgrounds have greater access to resources and opportunities that increase their chances of being admitted to elite institutions like Yale Law School, while students from less advantaged backgrounds are at a disadvantage. This is consistent with the sociological perspective of education as a mechanism for reproducing social inequality.

Question 15

To Karl Marx,conflict between a small number of capitalists and a large number of workers would divide society.He referred to these workers as:
A) employees.
B) the proletariat.
C) subordinates.
D) the working poor.

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx referred to the workers as the proletariat. This term refers specifically to the working class that sells its labor in exchange for wages or salaries, with no ownership of the means of production. Marx argued that this class conflict would lead to revolution and the eventual overthrow of capitalism.

Question 16

Who wrote The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism?
A) Karl Marx
B) Georg Simmel
C) Harriet Martineau
D) Max Weber

Accepted Answer

Max Weber wrote The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, which was published in 1905.

Question 17

In How to Observe Morals and Manners,Harriet Martineau critiqued the institution of marriage as:
A) based on an assumption that women are inferior.
B) based on an assumption that men are inferior.
C) reinforcing heterosexuality.
D) perpetuating social class stratification.

Accepted Answer

Harriet Martineau criticized the institution of marriage for being based on the assumption that women are inferior to men. She argued that laws and customs related to marriage reinforce the idea of male superiority and female subservience, thus perpetuating gender inequality.

Question 18

Social institutions often appear monolithic and unchanging.The sociological perspective sees that:
A) social institutions are socially constructed and changeable.
B) modern social institutions are socially constructed,but premodern institutions were unchanging.
C) family is relatively monolithic,whereas government and education are changeable.
D) each institution must be understood on its own terms; no generalizations regarding social construction are possible.

Accepted Answer

The sociological perspective recognizes that social institutions are socially constructed and are subject to change over time. This means that they are not monolithic and unchanging, but rather are shaped by social processes and historical contexts. This view challenges the idea that social institutions are fixed and immutable, and encourages a closer analysis of the social and cultural factors that shape them.

Question 19

A female manager is attempting to climb her way to the top of the corporate ladder.She works as hard as,if not harder than,her male colleagues,but nothing she does seems to help her advance.She begins to notice a pattern: Men are often promoted,but women are often overlooked for advancement.The realization that many women in her circumstance are experiencing the same discrimination is an example of:
A) anomie.
B) Verstehen.
C) sociological imagination.
D) social cohesion.

Accepted Answer

The realization that many women in her circumstance are experiencing the same discrimination is an example of sociological imagination, which allows individuals to see how larger social forces influence their personal experiences and opportunities. This concept was introduced by sociologist C. Wright Mills to encourage individuals to connect personal troubles to broader social issues.

Question 20

To truly understand why people act the way they do,we must understand the meanings they attach to their behaviors.Max Weber called this:
A) functionalism.
B) historical materialism.
C) xenophobia.
D) Verstehen.

Accepted Answer

Max Weber called this Verstehen, which translates to "understanding" or "comprehension" in German. This concept emphasizes the importance of understanding people's interpretations and meanings behind their actions in order to fully understand their behavior. It is a key component of interpretive sociology. Functionalism (A) focuses on how different aspects of society work together to maintain stability and balance. Historical materialism (B) is an approach in Marxist theory that emphasizes the role of economic and social structures in shaping historical development. Xenophobia (C) is a fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers.

Quiz 1: The Sociological Imagination: An Introduction

Karl Marx argued that social institutions in a society were the result of the economic makeup of that society.Max Weber argued that:

Which founder of sociology is known,in part,for providing the theoretical foundation of Communism?

In Pulp Fiction,two characters discuss how in Holland people put mayonnaise on their french fries instead of ketchup,which the author uses to illustrate the concept of:

The most age-segregated social institution in our society is a:

The "grand narrative" that constitutes a social identity:

"Social physics" or "positivism" is best defined as the:

As defined by C.Wright Mills,which of the following "enables us to grasp history and biography and the relations between the two within society"?

According to Auguste Comte,what were the three epistemological stages of human society?

According to social theorist Randall Collins,getting a "piece of paper" is more important to many than actually having the knowledge to do a job.He calls the undue priority placed on formal education:

Which of the following is defined as a complex group of interdependent positions that together perform a social role and reproduce themselves over time?

In government,many social actors such as senators,legislative aides,and voters work together as a complex group of interdependent parts to influence society.Seen in this light,government is a:

Which of the following sociologists invented the theory of positivism?

The Philip Morris Company changed its name to Altria in an attempt to create a new:

Asha Rangappa,dean of admissions at Yale Law School,explained that most students who apply to Yale Law School have already benefited from opportunities that make them appear to be stronger candidates than those from less advantaged backgrounds.In the sociological perspective,this implies that:

To Karl Marx,conflict between a small number of capitalists and a large number of workers would divide society.He referred to these workers as:

Who wrote The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism?

In How to Observe Morals and Manners,Harriet Martineau critiqued the institution of marriage as:

Social institutions often appear monolithic and unchanging.The sociological perspective sees that:

To truly understand why people act the way they do,we must understand the meanings they attach to their behaviors.Max Weber called this: