C273 Introduction to Sociology Practice Questions - Set 2 - Part 1

Correct Answer: Applying scientific methods to the social world

Positivism is the application of scientific approaches to study and understand social behavior objectively, as suggested by Comte.

Correct Answer: Herbert Spencer

Herbert Spencer applied the term "survival of the fittest" to describe the social evolution process, although it was often incorrectly attributed to Darwin.

Correct Answer: Bourgeoisie and Proletariat

Marx described the conflict between the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) and proletariat (working class), where the bourgeoisie exploit the working class.

Correct Answer: Social Isolation

Social isolation, or low integration with social groups, was linked by Durkheim to increased suicide rates.

Correct Answer: Symbolic Interactionism

Symbolic interactionism focuses on how individuals interpret and act on the symbolic meanings within their social interactions.

Correct Answer: Social reform and improvement

Martineau believed that sociology should improve society by addressing social inequalities.

Correct Answer: Parts of society fulfilling their roles

Durkheim viewed society as "normal" when its different parts effectively fulfill their roles, contributing to stability.

Correct Answer: Macroanalysis

Macroanalysis focuses on large-scale social patterns and structures that shape society.

Correct Answer: Social Equilibrium

Social equilibrium is a state where all societal parts function harmoniously, which functionalists believe sustains social stability.

Correct Answer: Actively engaging and observing in a setting

Participant observation involves researchers immersing themselves in the environment they are studying to gain firsthand insights.

Correct Answer: Ethnocentrism

Ethnocentrism involves evaluating other cultures based on one's own cultural norms, which can lead to misunderstandings and biases.

Correct Answer: Symbolic Meanings

Symbolic interactionism emphasizes how people’s actions are shaped by the meanings they attach to social symbols.

Correct Answer: Unintended, positive consequences

Latent functions are unplanned outcomes that help a system adjust positively, distinct from manifest functions, which are intended.

Correct Answer: Random Sampling

Random sampling provides every member of a population with an equal chance of selection, which helps achieve unbiased results.

Correct Answer: Class conflict

Marx believed that class struggles and economic factors drive historical change and societal development.

Correct Answer: Max Weber

Weber argued that the Protestant Ethic encouraged values that supported capitalism, such as hard work and savings.

Correct Answer: Social Control

Social control involves societal mechanisms that encourage conformity to norms and discourage deviant behaviors.

Correct Answer: A centralized elite group of leaders

The iron law of oligarchy suggests that organizations tend to concentrate power in a few elite members over time.

Correct Answer: Power, Property, Prestige

Weber believed that power, property, and prestige are the main determinants of social class.

Correct Answer: Mechanical Solidarity

Mechanical solidarity refers to the unity felt among people who share tasks and values, common in traditional societies.