Question 1

Which of the following is an example of a social institution?
A)The U.S.government
B)A group of passengers on an inner-city bus
C)The members of a stamp-collecting society
D)A children's playgroup

Accepted Answer

A social institution is an established and organized system of social behavior that has a recognized purpose. The U.S. government fits this definition as it is an organized system of social behavior that governs the country and has specific purposes such as enforcing laws and providing public goods and services. The other options listed are not necessarily social institutions as they do not fit the definition of an established and organized system of social behavior with a recognized purpose.

Question 2

Jan,Randy,and Terry are science majors,and when they graduate from college,they find jobs as a nurse,a midwife,and a hospital administrator,respectively.These new positions are examples of
A)statuses.
B)social roles.
C)groups.
D)social networks.

Accepted Answer

Statuses are the positions that people occupy in society. In this case, Jan, Randy, and Terry are all science majors, but they have different statuses as a nurse, a midwife, and a hospital administrator, respectively.

Question 3

Which of the following is true regarding marriage in Japan?
A)Most husbands do not call their wife by name.
B)Husbands say "I love you" more often than those of other nationalities.
C)Most married Japanese couples do not actually love one another.
D)Marriage is considered more a relationship than a social status.

Accepted Answer

It is common for husbands in Japan to refer to their wives as "my wife" rather than using their actual name.

Question 4

Ray is an African American who is currently enrolled at a four-year university where he is studying social work.Which of the following is his achieved status?
A)Social worker
B)Male
C)African American
D)College student

Accepted Answer

Ray's achieved status in this scenario is being a college student because he has actively pursued and attained enrollment at a four-year university. While being male and African American are certainly aspects of his identity, they are not achieved statuses as they are not the result of his individual effort or accomplishment. Being a social worker would be a potential achieved status in the future if he completes his studies and obtains a degree in that field.

Question 5

William I.Thomas wrote from which perspective when observing that people respond not only to the objective features of a person or situation,but also to the meaning that person or situation has for them?
A)Functionalist perspective
B)Conflict perspective
C)Interactionist perspective
D)Feminist perspective

Accepted Answer

William I. Thomas is associated with the interactionist perspective, which emphasizes the importance of meaning and symbols in social interaction. This perspective suggests that people respond not only to the objective features of a person or situation, but also to the subjective meanings they attach to those features.

Question 6

Which of the following statements about social roles is correct?
A)The roles that belong to a social status are always performed in the same manner.
B)Social roles are always performed in the same manner by those holding ascribed,but not achieved,statuses.
C)Actual performance of a role varies from individual to individual.
D)Role expectations and actual role performances never vary.

Accepted Answer

Actual performance of a role varies from individual to individual. While there may be certain expectations or norms associated with a particular social role, individuals may choose to perform it in different ways based on their own personality, preferences, and circumstances. This can result in variations in how a particular role is carried out by different individuals.

Question 7

An ascribed status is a social position
A)attained by a person largely through his or her own efforts.
B)"assigned" to a person by society without regard for the person's unique talents or characteristics.
C)that is earned.
D)that is reached as a result of negotiation.

Accepted Answer

An ascribed status is a social position assigned to a person without regard for their individual talents or characteristics. It is usually determined by factors such as gender, race, or family background, and is not earned through individual effort.

Question 8

Which sociological perspective is especially interested in ascribed statuses because they often confer privileges or reflect a person's membership in a subordinate group?
A)Functionalist perspective
B)Conflict perspective
C)Interactionist perspective
D)Global perspective

Accepted Answer

The conflict perspective focuses on how power differentials and inequality contribute to social structures and systems. Ascribed statuses, such as race or gender, often confer privileges or reflect a person's membership in a subordinate group. Therefore, the conflict perspective is especially interested in studying ascribed statuses and their effects on individuals and society.

Question 9

You walk into your women's studies class,and you look at the person sitting to your left.He is the only male in the class;he is about 20 years old,wears a wedding ring,and carries a bag with a tennis racquet.Which of his characteristics is most likely his master status in the context of this class?
A)His age
B)His marital status
C)His gender
D)His interest in tennis

Accepted Answer

In the context of a women's studies class, the fact that he is male is likely to be his master status, as it sets him apart from the rest of the class and may affect his experiences and understanding of the course material. Age, marital status, and interest in tennis are all irrelevant factors in this context.

Question 10

Which term is used by sociologists to refer to a set of expectations for people who occupy a given social position or status?
A)Social role
B)Structural role
C)Achieved role
D)Ascribed role

Accepted Answer

A social role refers to a set of expectations for individuals who occupy a particular social position or status. These expectations may include behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs that are considered appropriate or necessary for the particular role. Examples of social roles include being a parent, teacher, doctor, or lawyer.

Question 11

Ascribed statuses may be based on an individual's
A)race,gender,and age.
B)age,educational achievements,and gender.
C)employment status,age,and race.
D)gender,race,and social class.

Accepted Answer

Ascribed statuses are those that a person is born with or cannot change, such as their race, gender, and age. Option B is incorrect as educational achievements are typically achieved statuses, not ascribed statuses. Option C only includes employment status as an ascribed status, and social class is typically achieved rather than ascribed. Option D includes social class which is typically achieved rather than ascribed.

Question 12

Which of the following terms is used to refer to organized patterns of beliefs and behavior centered on basic social needs?
A)Social networks
B)Social institutions
C)Functional prerequisites
D)Communities

Accepted Answer

Social institutions are organized patterns of beliefs and behavior that are centered on basic social needs. Social networks refer to individual connections and relationships. Functional prerequisites are the basic needs that must be met for a society to survive. Communities refer to groups of people who live together in a particular area or share common characteristics or interests.

Question 13

Social interaction is
A)the process of learning norms,values,beliefs,and other requirements for effective participation in social groups.
B)the way in which a society is organized into predictable relationships.
C)the ways in which people respond to one another.
D)a series of relationships linking a person directly to others and therefore indirectly to still more people.

Accepted Answer

Social interaction refers to the ways in which people respond to one another. This can include verbal and nonverbal communication, cooperation, conflict, and other forms of behavior that occur between individuals or groups. Social interaction is a fundamental aspect of human society and can have an impact on many different areas of life, including socialization, education, politics, and economics. While learning norms, values, beliefs, and other requirements for effective participation in social groups (Option A) is a component of social interaction, it is not a comprehensive definition. Option B refers to social structure, which is related to but not synonymous with social interaction. Option D describes social networks, which are a byproduct of social interaction but not the same thing.

Question 14

Which term is used by sociologists to refer to any of the full range of socially defined positions within a large group or society?
A)Status
B)Culture
C)Social structure
D)Gemeinschaft

Accepted Answer

Status is the term used by sociologists to refer to any of the full range of socially defined positions within a large group or society. Status can be achieved or ascribed, and it carries with it certain expectations and privileges. Culture refers to the shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that characterize a group or society. Social structure refers to the patterned social arrangements in society, including its institutions, organizations, groups, and statuses. Gemeinschaft is a German term used by sociologists to refer to a type of social organization in which people are closely tied by kinship and tradition.

Question 15

Which of the following terms refers to the way in which a society is organized into predictable relationships?
A)Socialization
B)Social structure
C)Social interaction
D)Culture

Accepted Answer

Social structure refers to the way in which a society is organized into predictable relationships, such as family, religion, education, and government. Socialization refers to the process by which individuals learn and internalize the norms and values of their society. Social interaction refers to the ways in which people interact with one another. Culture refers to the beliefs, values, behaviors, and artifacts that make up a way of life for a given society.

Question 16

Which of the following is considered an achieved status?
A)Race
B)Gender
C)Occupation
D)Age

Accepted Answer

An achieved status is a social position that a person chooses or earns based on merit or accomplishment. Occupation is an achieved status because individuals have to work hard and fulfill job requirements to attain their occupation. Race, gender, and age are examples of ascribed status, which are social positions that are assigned to individuals based on factors outside of their control such as their biological characteristics or age.

Question 17

A social network is
A)a social structure that derives its existence from the social interactions through which people define and redefine its character.
B)an attempt to reach agreement with others concerning some objective.
C)a series of social relationships that link a person directly to others and therefore indirectly to still more people.
D)the way in which a society is organized into predictable relationships.

Accepted Answer

A social network is a series of social relationships that link a person directly to others and therefore indirectly to still more people.

Question 18

According to Herbert Blumer,a distinctive characteristic of human interaction is that
A)the reality of humans is shaped only by our perceptions.
B)humans respond to behavior in a negative fashion.
C)humans interpret or define each other's actions.
D)humans will only react to each other's actions.

Accepted Answer

Herbert Blumer believed that humans interpret or define each other's actions. He argued that individuals must interpret the meaning of symbols in order to interact with one another, and that this process of interpretation leads to the creation of shared meanings and social structures. Thus, according to Blumer, interpreting each other's actions is a distinctive characteristic of human interaction.

Question 19

Philip Zimbardo's study of a simulated prison environment that used college students as prisoners and prison guards
A)indicated that it is impossible to replicate a "real life" situation in a laboratory.
B)demonstrated that a social structure can influence the type of social interactions that occur.
C)indicated that social interactions are not influenced by social structure characteristics.
D)demonstrated that a social structure cannot influence the type of social interactions that occur.

Accepted Answer

Zimbardo's study, known as the Stanford Prison Experiment, showed that the social structure of the prison environment influenced the behavior and interactions of both the prisoners and guards. The study demonstrated a clear power dynamic between those in charge (guards) and those being controlled (prisoners). This suggests that social structure can have a significant impact on social interactions.

Question 20

Which sociological perspective emphasizes that social roles contribute to a society's stability by enabling members to anticipate the behavior of others and to pattern their own actions accordingly?
A)Functionalist perspective
B)Conflict perspective
C)Interactionist perspective
D)Feminist perspective

Accepted Answer

The functionalist perspective emphasizes the importance of social roles in maintaining social order and stability. Social roles provide predictability and structure to society, enabling individuals to know what is expected of them and how to behave in various social situations. This contributes to a sense of order and stability, as individuals can anticipate the behavior of others and pattern their own actions accordingly. The functionalist perspective views society as a system of interrelated parts that work together to promote stability and order.

Quiz 5: Social Interaction, groups, and Social Structure

Which of the following is an example of a social institution?

Jan,Randy,and Terry are science majors,and when they graduate from college,they find jobs as a nurse,a midwife,and a hospital administrator,respectively.These new positions are examples of

Which of the following is true regarding marriage in Japan?

Ray is an African American who is currently enrolled at a four-year university where he is studying social work.Which of the following is his achieved status?

William I.Thomas wrote from which perspective when observing that people respond not only to the objective features of a person or situation,but also to the meaning that person or situation has for them?

Which of the following statements about social roles is correct?

An ascribed status is a social position

Which sociological perspective is especially interested in ascribed statuses because they often confer privileges or reflect a person's membership in a subordinate group?

You walk into your women's studies class,and you look at the person sitting to your left.He is the only male in the class;he is about 20 years old,wears a wedding ring,and carries a bag with a tennis racquet.Which of his characteristics is most likely his master status in the context of this class?

Which term is used by sociologists to refer to a set of expectations for people who occupy a given social position or status?

Ascribed statuses may be based on an individual's

Which of the following terms is used to refer to organized patterns of beliefs and behavior centered on basic social needs?

Social interaction is

Which term is used by sociologists to refer to any of the full range of socially defined positions within a large group or society?

Which of the following terms refers to the way in which a society is organized into predictable relationships?

Which of the following is considered an achieved status?

A social network is

According to Herbert Blumer,a distinctive characteristic of human interaction is that

Philip Zimbardo's study of a simulated prison environment that used college students as prisoners and prison guards

Which sociological perspective emphasizes that social roles contribute to a society's stability by enabling members to anticipate the behavior of others and to pattern their own actions accordingly?