Question 1

You are taking an IQ test which will be used to determine your intelligence level. The first question asks you to identify all of the equipment you will need to play the game of shoeball. The second question asks the rules of the game. Finally, the third question asks you to explain how shoeball is scored and the number of points you need to win the game. Based on this question, what does the test demonstrate?

Accepted Answer

The test demonstrates a cultural bias in measuring intelligence because knowing the rules and scoring of a game that is not widely known or played in certain cultures may not be a fair measure of intelligence.

Question 2

What is the concept that some jobs require few skills and can be performed by people of less intelligence?

Accepted Answer

The concept described is that of social placement, which refers to the idea that certain jobs are designed for individuals with a particular level of intelligence, education, or social background. This belief is often used to justify the hiring of people for low-skilled jobs who may not have the same level of qualifications as others.

Question 3

In the research by Rosenthal and Jacobson, certain students identified as "spurters" excelled throughout the school year. How did Rosenthal and Jacobson select them?

Accepted Answer

Rosenthal and Jacobson randomly selected students after administering an IQ test, labeling them as "spurters" to study the effects of teacher expectations on student performance, demonstrating that higher expectations led to better performance.

Question 4

IQ tests measure not only intelligence but also ________.

Accepted Answer

IQ tests measure acquired knowledge as well as reasoning, problem-solving skills, and pattern recognition. Social integration and skills are not directly measured by IQ tests, and higher math is only one aspect of intelligence that may be assessed on certain types of IQ tests.

Question 5

Based on the research of sociologist George Farkas, which two groups of students were most successful in signaling their teachers they were good students?

Accepted Answer

Farkas found that girls and Asian Americans were the most successful in signaling their teachers they were good students through nonverbal cues such as eye contact, attentiveness, and participation.

Question 6

There are approximately ________ million students enrolled in high school, and another ________ million students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities today.

Accepted Answer

As of recent data, there are approximately 15 million students enrolled in high school and about 13 million students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities.

Question 7

What is the correspondence principle?

Accepted Answer

The correspondence principle is a sociological theory that posits that the organizational structures of schools reflect the societal structures in which they are located. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer.

Question 8

What do less rigorous teaching, dummied down textbooks and less reading have in common with watching television, and playing video and computer games?

Accepted Answer

All these factors are related to low verbal scores on the SAT tests as they contribute to reduced reading and critical thinking skills, which are essential for verbal proficiency.

Question 9

What do studies demonstrate in regard to the level of social skills home schooled students develop?

Accepted Answer

Studies have consistently shown that home-schooled students are either equal or do better than conventionally schooled students in terms of social skills development. Home-schooled students often have more opportunities for one-on-one interactions with adults and are able to participate in community activities and sports outside of school. This can develop their communication, leadership, and teamwork skills. Additionally, many home-schooling families prioritize teaching their children social skills and provide ample opportunities for socialization with peers. While some studies have shown that home-schooled students may be slightly more introverted or shy in new social situations, this is not generally seen as a significant disadvantage in the long-term.

Question 10

Using exceptionally simple questions on an exam and "dummying down" grading scales so everyone passes are examples of a growing problem in education called ________.

Accepted Answer

The use of simplified questions and lowered grading standards leads to mediocrity, or the acceptance of average or below-average work. This can have negative impacts on students' ability to perform at higher levels and achieve greater success in the future.

Question 11

When Ray Rist conducted a participant observation study in an African American grade school, what did he conclude was the underlying basis for assigning children to different worktables in kindergarten?

Accepted Answer

Ray Rist concluded that the underlying basis for assigning children to different worktables in kindergarten was social class. He found that the teacher used non-academic criteria such as physical appearance, dress, and social class to group the children into different tables, which then affected the academic opportunities available to them. Children from higher social classes were more likely to be placed in the higher tables where they received more individual attention and challenging tasks, while children from lower social classes were grouped at lower tables with fewer opportunities for academic advancement.

Question 12

How are public schools primarily funded?

Accepted Answer

Public schools are primarily funded by local property taxes. Each state also contributes some funding, but it varies greatly by state. The federal government provides only a small portion of funding for public schools.

Question 13

At Harvard University 90 percent of the students graduate with honors. The faculty recommend to counter this honors inflation limiting the percentage of students who could graduate with honors in any one class. This is an example of __________.

Accepted Answer

The faculty recommending to limit the percentage of students who could graduate with honors in any one class is an example of raising standards, as they are aiming to ensure that honors are only awarded to the most deserving students rather than the majority of the student body.

Question 14

What do conflict theorists believe is the purpose of the hidden curriculum?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theorists believe that the purpose of the hidden curriculum is to promote social inequalities by teaching dominant norms and values that reinforce the existing power structure in society. They argue that the hidden curriculum reproduces social inequality by transmitting dominant cultural values and ideologies that maintain the status quo. Therefore, the best choice is D, which reflects this perspective.

Question 15

A sociologist who studied face-to-face interactions in the classroom between teachers and students would be emphasizing which sociological perspective?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism focuses on how individuals interact and create meaning through symbols, gestures, and language in face-to-face interactions. The study of teacher-student interactions in a classroom setting would fall within this perspective.

Question 16

Who developed the concept of self-fulfilling prophecy that explains why originally false assumptions become true because the outcome was predicted?

Accepted Answer

Robert Merton developed the concept of self-fulfilling prophecy, which refers to a prediction or assumption that, even though it may be false, if acted upon, will become true.

Question 17

What social worker suggested the dice question for IQ tests?

Accepted Answer

Adrian Dove, a social worker in the 1930s, suggested the dice question for IQ tests, which is now a classic intelligence test question.

Question 18

According to Ray Rist's research, how long did it take for teachers to determine a child's potential success in school?

Accepted Answer

Ray Rist's research found that teachers formed expectations of a child's potential success in school within the first two weeks of kindergarten based on factors such as race, socio-economic status, and appearance.

Question 19

The most significant predictor of whether a student will attend college is his/her ________.

Accepted Answer

Studies have consistently shown that family background, including parental education and income levels, is the strongest predictor of whether a student will attend college. Test scores and motivation can play a role, but they are not as significant as family background. Personality may also be a factor, but it is not typically studied in relation to college attendance.

Question 20

Sociologists Rosenthal and Jacobson found that when teachers were told that certain students would probably spurt ahead during the year, those students actually did better than other students on IQ tests. What does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

The experiment illustrates the phenomenon of the self-fulfilling prophecy, where the expectations of the teacher influence the performance of the students. This suggests that students can respond to the expectations and perceptions of the teacher, even if those perceptions are inaccurate or biased. This has important implications for education, as it highlights the need for teachers to be aware of their biases and to treat all students equally, regardless of their perceived ability or potential.

Quiz 17: Education