Question 1

Which of these questions best describes the interests of ethnomethodologists?
A) Who benefits from the structure of social institutions?
B) How does a society maintain order and stability?
C) How do we know how to interact in a given situation?
D) What is the economic structure of society?

Accepted Answer

Ethnomethodologists are concerned with how people make sense of the world and the methods they use to do so. This includes understanding how people know how to interact in different situations and how social norms and expectations are created and maintained through everyday practices. The other options focus more on broader societal structures and power relations, which are not the primary interests of ethnomethodologists.

Question 2

According to__________ , interaction is based on assumptions of shared expectancies. For example, when you are talking with someone, what expectations do you have that you and the person with whom you are speaking will take turns speaking?
A) conflict theorists
B) ethnomethodologists
C) functionalists
D) rational choice theorists

Accepted Answer

Ethnomethodologists argue that interaction is based on assumptions of shared expectancies. They believe that people make sense of their social world through the use of background assumptions, and that our actions are guided by these assumptions. For example, we expect that in a conversation, people will take turns speaking.

Question 3

Which of these is not true about postindustrial society?
A) There has been an information explosion.
B) Most people work in service or information-related occupations.
C) Production of goods within the society is mechanized.
D) Knowledge becomes a commodity.

Accepted Answer

Postindustrial society is characterized by an increased focus on service and information-related occupations and an information explosion, as well as the commodification of knowledge. However, production of goods may not necessarily be completely mechanized in a postindustrial society.

Question 4

The concept of __________ refers to the social cohesion found in industrial societies, in which people perform very specialized tasks and feel united by their mutual dependence.
A) organic solidarity
B) mechanical solidarity
C) collective solidarity
D) specialized solidarity

Accepted Answer

The concept of organic solidarity was developed by Emile Durkheim to describe the social cohesion found in industrial societies, in which people perform specialized tasks and feel united by their mutual dependence. This is different from mechanical solidarity, which is found in less complex societies where people share similar beliefs and values.

Question 5

According to Durkheim, organic solidarity is characterized by social interaction that is __________ .
A) based on morality and shared values
B) less focused on specific goals
C) less status oriented
D) less personal

Accepted Answer

Organic solidarity, according to Durkheim, arises in complex societies where individuals play highly specialized roles and are interdependent on each other. This form of solidarity is characterized by less personal interactions, as relationships are more based on the functions individuals perform rather than personal connections.

Question 6

People engage in civil inattention in an elevator, regardless of where the elevator is located. This illustrates that meanings shared across situations serve to regulate the form and process of interaction, but not the content. Microsociologists use the term__________  to refer to this.
A) patterned interaction
B) interaction order
C) socially programmed interaction
D) reasonable interaction expectation

Accepted Answer

The term "interaction order" is used by microsociologists to refer to the shared understandings and norms that regulate the form and process of social interaction, but not its content. Civil inattention in an elevator is an example of this, as people follow unspoken rules of behavior by avoiding eye contact and maintaining personal space, regardless of where the elevator is located.

Question 7

Which of these is not characteristic of industrial society?
A) relationships based primarily on ascribed status
B) large populations living in or near cities
C) mechanized production of virtually all possessions
D) a person is defined largely by his or her occupation

Accepted Answer

Industrial society is characterized by large populations living in or near cities, mechanized production of goods, and a person being defined largely by his or her occupation. However, relationships in industrial society are primarily based on achieved status rather than ascribed status.

Question 8

Mikayla is told repeatedly that she is not a very good athlete. Eventually, she comes to believe it, puts in little effort in gym class, and receives a poor grade. This scenario is an illustration of__________  .
A) a self-fulfilling prophecy
B) civil inattention
C) survival of the fittest
D) false consciousness

Accepted Answer

This scenario exemplifies a self-fulfilling prophecy, where Mikayla's belief in her lack of athleticism leads to her putting in little effort and ultimately receiving a poor grade. The initial messages she received about her abilities shape her behavior and ultimately confirm the original belief.

Question 9

Ferdinand Tӧnnies used the term __________ for traditional society in which social relationships are based on personal bonds of friendship and kinship and on intergenerational stability.
A) Gemeinschaft
B) verstehen
C) Gesellschaft
D) bourgeoisie

Accepted Answer

Tӧnnies used the term Gemeinschaft to describe traditional societies in which social relationships are based on personal bonds of friendship and kinship and on intergenerational stability. The term Gesellschaft, on the other hand, refers to modern societies in which social relationships are based on individual self-interest and contractual agreements. Verstehen is a term coined by Max Weber to describe the process of understanding social behavior from the perspective of those engaging in it, and bourgeoisie refers to the middle class in capitalist societies.

Question 10

The perspective developed by Erving Goffman that compares everyday life to a theatrical presentation is called __________.
A) ethnomethodology
B) dramaturgical analysis
C) impression management
D) presentational analysis

Accepted Answer

The perspective developed by Erving Goffman that compares everyday life to a theatrical presentation is called dramaturgical analysis. Ethnomethodology is a perspective that seeks to understand how people make sense of their everyday world. Impression management refers to efforts by individuals to create specific impressions in the minds of others. Presentational analysis is a method of analyzing communication that focuses on how communicators use symbols and various elements of performance to create meaning.

Question 11

When Darlene takes a seat at the local diner, the server approaches the table and says, "Hi, I'm Matt. I'll be taking care of you today." This is an example of__________  .
A) role conflict
B) a self-fulfilling prophecy
C) an ethnomethodological introduction
D) a social script

Accepted Answer

This is an example of a social script, as Matt is performing a standard greeting and introduction that is commonly used in the service industry.

Question 12

Some symbolic interaction theorists believe that there is very little shared reality beyond that which is socially created. They refer to this as the __________ , which is the process by which our perception of reality is largely shaped by the subjective meaning that we give to an experience.
A) social construction of reality
B) objectification of social reality
C) subjective assessment of reality
D) recertification analysis of reality

Accepted Answer

The term "social construction of reality" refers to the idea that reality is not an objective, fixed, and unchanging entity, but rather a socially constructed concept that is shaped by our perceptions and interpretations of the world around us. This is based on the premise that there is no objective reality outside of the meanings and interpretations that humans give to it. Therefore, subjective meaning plays a crucial role in shaping our perception of reality.

Question 13

Erving Goffman coined the term __________ for the strategies we use to rescue our performance when we experience a potentially or actually embarrassing situation.
A) studied nonobservance
B) front and back stage behavior
C) face-saving behavior
D) social reconstruction

Accepted Answer

Erving Goffman coined the term "face-saving behavior" to refer to the strategies we use to rescue our performance when we experience a potentially or actually embarrassing situation.

Question 14

We act on reality as we see it. Sociologists describe this process as the __________ , meaning that we analyze a social context in which we find ourselves, determine what is in our best interest, and adjust our attitudes and actions accordingly.
A) reality impression
B) definition of the situation
C) interactionist dialogue
D) self-fulfilling prophecy

Accepted Answer

The concept described in the question is the "definition of the situation." This term refers to the process by which individuals analyze their social context, determine what is in their best interest, and adjust their attitudes and actions accordingly. It is a fundamental concept in sociology and helps to explain how individuals navigate complex social environments. The other answer choices are not accurate descriptions of this process.

Question 15

Which of the following characterizes a Gemeinschaft society?
A) impersonal and task-oriented relationships
B) sense of community based on similarity
C) formal social control
D) prevalent social change

Accepted Answer

A Gemeinschaft society is characterized by a sense of community based on similarity, where people have close personal relationships and share common values and norms. This is in contrast to a Gesellschaft society, which is characterized by impersonal and task-oriented relationships, formal social control, and a prevalence of social change.

Question 16

Sociologist Erving Goffman's term__________  refers to the ways in which an individual shows awareness that another is present without making this person the object of particular attention.
A) civil inattention
B) selective attention
C) passive rudeness
D) reserved rejection

Accepted Answer

Civil inattention is a term used by sociologist Erving Goffman to describe the social norm of people in public places ignoring each other to an appropriate degree despite being aware of each other's presence. It involves showing awareness of another person's presence without invading their space or privacy, or conversely without ignoring them altogether. Passive rudeness, selective attention, and reserved rejection are not relevant concepts to describe this behavior.

Question 17

Durkheim used the term __________ to refer to the social cohesion of preindustrial societies, in which there is minimal division of labor and people feel united by shared values and common social bonds.
A) organic solidarity
B) mechanical solidarity
C) specialized solidarity
D) collective solidarity

Accepted Answer

Durkheim used the term mechanical solidarity to describe the social cohesion of preindustrial societies, in which there is minimal division of labor and people feel united by shared values and common social bonds.

Question 18

__________ are based on technology that mechanizes production. New technologies, such as cars, computers, electric lights, stereos, and cell phones, are products of these societies.
A) Agrarian societies
B) Industrial societies
C) Horticultural and pastoral societies
D) Hunting and gathering societies

Accepted Answer

Industrial societies are based on technology that mechanizes production. This includes the development of machines and advanced technology in fields such as transportation, communication, and manufacturing. The other answer choices are based on more traditional and primitive forms of technology and production.

Question 19

A(n) __________ is one in which technology supports a service- and information-based economy.
A) industrial society
B) agrarian society
C) horticultural and pastoral society
D) postindustrial society

Accepted Answer

A postindustrial society is one in which technology supports a service- and information-based economy. This means that information and services are more important than manufacturing and production. In a postindustrial society, jobs are often related to knowledge, information technology, and services such as health care, education, and entertainment.

Question 20

Ferdinand Tӧnnies used the term__________  for a large, urban society in which social bonds are based on impersonal and specialized relationships, with little long-term commitment to the group and little consensus on values.
A) Gemeinschaft
B) verstehen
C) Gesellschaft
D) bourgeoisie

Accepted Answer

Tӧnnies used the term Gesellschaft to describe the characteristics of a large, urban society where social bonds were based on impersonal and specialized relationships, with little long-term commitment to the group and little consensus on values. Gemeinschaft, on the other hand, refers to a smaller, rural community where relationships are based on personal ties and shared values. Verstehen is a sociological concept that refers to the process of understanding social behavior from the perspective of those engaging in it. Bourgeoisie is a term that refers to the capitalist class of society, typically characterized by their ownership and control of the means of production.

Quiz 4: Social Structure and Interaction in Everyday Life

Which of these questions best describes the interests of ethnomethodologists?

According to__________ , interaction is based on assumptions of shared expectancies. For example, when you are talking with someone, what expectations do you have that you and the person with whom you are speaking will take turns speaking?

Which of these is not true about postindustrial society?

The concept of __________ refers to the social cohesion found in industrial societies, in which people perform very specialized tasks and feel united by their mutual dependence.

According to Durkheim, organic solidarity is characterized by social interaction that is __________ .

People engage in civil inattention in an elevator, regardless of where the elevator is located. This illustrates that meanings shared across situations serve to regulate the form and process of interaction, but not the content. Microsociologists use the term__________ to refer to this.

Which of these is not characteristic of industrial society?

Mikayla is told repeatedly that she is not a very good athlete. Eventually, she comes to believe it, puts in little effort in gym class, and receives a poor grade. This scenario is an illustration of__________ .

Ferdinand Tӧnnies used the term __________ for traditional society in which social relationships are based on personal bonds of friendship and kinship and on intergenerational stability.

The perspective developed by Erving Goffman that compares everyday life to a theatrical presentation is called __________.

When Darlene takes a seat at the local diner, the server approaches the table and says, "Hi, I'm Matt. I'll be taking care of you today." This is an example of__________ .

Some symbolic interaction theorists believe that there is very little shared reality beyond that which is socially created. They refer to this as the __________ , which is the process by which our perception of reality is largely shaped by the subjective meaning that we give to an experience.

Erving Goffman coined the term __________ for the strategies we use to rescue our performance when we experience a potentially or actually embarrassing situation.

We act on reality as we see it. Sociologists describe this process as the __________ , meaning that we analyze a social context in which we find ourselves, determine what is in our best interest, and adjust our attitudes and actions accordingly.

Which of the following characterizes a Gemeinschaft society?

Sociologist Erving Goffman's term__________ refers to the ways in which an individual shows awareness that another is present without making this person the object of particular attention.

Durkheim used the term __________ to refer to the social cohesion of preindustrial societies, in which there is minimal division of labor and people feel united by shared values and common social bonds.

__________ are based on technology that mechanizes production. New technologies, such as cars, computers, electric lights, stereos, and cell phones, are products of these societies.

A(n) __________ is one in which technology supports a service- and information-based economy.

Ferdinand Tӧnnies used the term__________ for a large, urban society in which social bonds are based on impersonal and specialized relationships, with little long-term commitment to the group and little consensus on values.