Question 1

Research shows that there are only about six degrees of separation between us and anyone else in Canada.

Accepted Answer

The concept of "six degrees of separation" refers to the idea that every person on average is connected to any other person in the world through a chain of acquaintance links that has no more than six intermediaries. Various studies and experiments have suggested that this concept holds true for Canada as well. For example, a study by social psychologist Stanley Milgram in the 1960s found that the average path length among US residents was about six, suggesting that people are more closely connected than they might realize. Other studies have suggested similar results for Canada, indicating that most people are only a few steps away from knowing someone else in the country.

Question 2

Primary groups are larger and more impersonal than secondary groups.

Accepted Answer

Primary groups are smaller and more personal than secondary groups.

Question 3

Heads of bureaucracies generally have a good handle on what is happening in their organizations.

Accepted Answer

Heads of bureaucracies often face challenges in fully understanding all the operations within their organizations due to their size, complexity, and the layers of management.

Question 4

Weber's research preoccupation with bureaucracies focused on the behaviour of worker networks and triads.

Accepted Answer

Weber's research preoccupation with bureaucracies focused on the structures, characteristics, and principles of bureaucracy, such as hierarchy, division of labor, rules and regulations, and impersonal relationships. His theoretical framework did not specifically focus on worker networks and triads, although he did discuss the roles of authority, power, and communication within bureaucracies.

Question 5

In his research,Mark Granovetter found that strong ties are more important than weak ties when trying to find a job.

Accepted Answer

Mark Granovetter's research actually found the opposite. He found that weak ties (i.e. connections with acquaintances) were more important than strong ties (i.e. connections with close friends or family) when it came to finding job opportunities.

Question 6

Sandra needs help getting a job.According to Mark Granovetter,who of the following is most likely to be able to offer assistance?
A) Sandra's brother
B) Sandra's mother
C) Sandra's best friend
D) a friend of Sandra's best friend

Accepted Answer

According to Mark Granovetter's theory of "the strength of weak ties," individuals who have weak ties with us (such as friends of friends) are more likely to provide opportunities or information than individuals with whom we have close ties (such as family members or best friends). Therefore, a friend of Sandra's best friend is most likely to offer assistance in getting a job.

Question 7

The president of the company was frustrated that his directive to hire 100 new employees had not been carried out.Upon investigation he discovered that the hiring practices involved three interviews and a formal vetting process,designed to ensure that the best person was hired for each position.What was inhibiting the growth of the company's workforce?
A) bureaucratic ritualism
B) bureaucratic inertia
C) hierarchical procedures
D) employee scrutiny

Accepted Answer

The company's hiring process was overly focused on following procedures (bureaucratic ritualism), which slowed down the hiring of new employees.

Question 8

Structures of authority tend to result in people rebelling and being disobedient.

Accepted Answer

While structures of authority can sometimes lead to rebellion and disobedience, they are also essential for organizing society, maintaining order, and facilitating cooperation among individuals. Rebellion is not an inherent or inevitable outcome of authority structures.

Question 9

Less than 10 percent of Poland's Jewish population survived World War II.

Accepted Answer

This is a well-documented fact about the Holocaust and the impact it had on Poland's Jewish population. Out of an estimated pre-war Jewish population of 3 million, approximately 300,000 survived.

Question 10

Functionalists caution us to recognize that too much conformity can be dangerous.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Functionalists caution us to recognize that too...

Question 11

During the Vietnam War,American soldiers massacred 504 unarmed civilians in a village called My Lai.What dynamic explains the cause of this calamity?
A) norms of solidarity
B) boot camp effect
C) kill or be killed instinct
D) innovative cruelty

Accepted Answer

The answer of During the Vietnam War,American soldiers massacred 504...

Question 12

We live in a shrinking world because our social networks tend to be local and isolated.

Accepted Answer

Our social networks are expanding thanks to technology and the internet, making it easier to connect with people and cultures from all over the world. This is leading to a more interconnected and globalized world, rather than a shrinking one.

Question 13

According to Ferdinand Tönnies,what does a society consist of?
A) relationships connected by self-interest
B) intimate and emotionally intense ties
C) a community of extended families
D) rural local and small villages

Accepted Answer

Tönnies described society (Gesellschaft) as consisting of relationships connected by self-interest, in contrast to community (Gemeinschaft), which is characterized by intimate and emotionally intense ties.

Question 14

The president of the company made many rules and regulations.However,she always requested feedback from her employees to ensure that the rules and regulations were effective and not hindering productivity.What kind of leadership style did this president follow?
A) authoritarian
B) democratic
C) laissez-faire
D) effective

Accepted Answer

The president followed the democratic leadership style by involving her employees in the decision-making process and valuing their feedback. This approach promotes participation and collaboration, and it can lead to better results and increased job satisfaction.

Question 15

Conformity ensures group cohesion.

Accepted Answer

Conformity refers to the tendency of individuals to adjust their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to align with the norms and expectations of the group they belong to. When group members conform to these norms, it helps to promote group cohesion by ensuring that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals. However, it can also stifle creativity and independent thinking if taken too far.

Question 16

Secondary groups generate more pressure to conform than do primary groups.

Accepted Answer

Primary groups, such as family and close friends, are characterized by close, personal, and enduring relationships, which often result in stronger pressures to conform due to the significant influence these groups have on an individual's identity and socialization. Secondary groups, such as colleagues or acquaintances, are more impersonal and goal-oriented, leading to less pressure to conform.

Question 17

Weber tended to ignore both the informal side of bureaucracies and the role of leadership in bureaucracies.

Accepted Answer

Max Weber's theory of bureaucracy focused primarily on the formal structures and rules governing bureaucracies, paying less attention to the informal aspects of organizational life and the role of leadership within bureaucratic systems.

Question 18

Much social life in a complex society involves belonging to secondary groups.

Accepted Answer

Secondary groups refer to groups that are larger and more impersonal than primary groups, where individuals come together based on shared interests, goals, or activities. Examples include clubs, organizations, and religious groups. These groups provide opportunities for social interaction, networking, and a sense of belonging in a complex society.

Question 19

Dr.Jeffrey Wigand was the vice-president of research and development for the Brown and Williams Tobacco Corporation and reported that the company was adding ammonia and other chemicals to cigarettes to enhance nicotine absorption and speed up addiction.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true as Dr. Jeffrey Wigand did expose the Brown and Williams Tobacco Corporation for adding ammonia and other chemicals to cigarettes to enhance nicotine absorption and speed up addiction.

Question 20

In bureaucracies,information may be lost,blocked,or distorted as it moves up the hierarchy.

Accepted Answer

In bureaucracies, information may get lost, blocked, or distorted as it moves up the hierarchy due to factors such as filtering, selective perception, language distortion, and information overload, among others.

Quiz 21: Networks, Groups, and Bureaucracies