WGU Introduction to Sociology (C273)
EXAM Test Exam Questions and
Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A At the
Western Governors University.
1. Sociology is best defined as the study of:
A. Individual behavior
B. Human biology
C. Society and social interaction
D. Economics only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sociology focuses on social relationships, institutions,
and patterns of interaction.
2. Who is considered the “father of sociology”?
A. Karl Marx
B. Max Weber
C. Auguste Comte
D. Émile Durkheim
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Auguste Comte coined the term sociology and
emphasized scientific study of society.
3. Which sociological perspective focuses on social stability and
cohesion?
,A. Conflict theory
B. Symbolic interactionism
C. Functionalism
D. Feminist theory
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Functionalism views society as a system of
interdependent parts.
4. Conflict theory primarily examines:
A. Social harmony
B. Power and inequality
C. Daily interactions
D. Cultural rituals
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Conflict theory emphasizes struggles between groups
over resources.
5. Symbolic interactionism focuses on:
A. Large-scale institutions
B. Economic systems
C. Meanings in everyday interactions
D. Social class conflict
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This perspective studies how people create meaning
through interaction.
6. Culture includes all EXCEPT:
A. Beliefs
B. Values
C. Behaviors
D. Genetics
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Culture is learned, not biologically inherited.
, 7. Norms are best described as:
A. Laws enforced by police
B. Moral principles
C. Rules for acceptable behavior
D. Religious beliefs
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Norms guide how people are expected to behave in
society.
8. Folkways differ from mores because folkways are:
A. Strictly enforced
B. Legally binding
C. Informal and less serious
D. Religious
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Violating folkways has minor social consequences.
9. Which concept refers to beliefs about what is right and wrong?
A. Norms
B. Values
C. Symbols
D. Laws
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Values are deeply held cultural beliefs.
10. Ethnocentrism is:
A. Respect for all cultures
B. Judging other cultures by one’s own standards
C. Cultural neutrality
D. Cultural adaptation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ethnocentrism can lead to misunderstanding and bias.
EXAM Test Exam Questions and
Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A At the
Western Governors University.
1. Sociology is best defined as the study of:
A. Individual behavior
B. Human biology
C. Society and social interaction
D. Economics only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sociology focuses on social relationships, institutions,
and patterns of interaction.
2. Who is considered the “father of sociology”?
A. Karl Marx
B. Max Weber
C. Auguste Comte
D. Émile Durkheim
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Auguste Comte coined the term sociology and
emphasized scientific study of society.
3. Which sociological perspective focuses on social stability and
cohesion?
,A. Conflict theory
B. Symbolic interactionism
C. Functionalism
D. Feminist theory
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Functionalism views society as a system of
interdependent parts.
4. Conflict theory primarily examines:
A. Social harmony
B. Power and inequality
C. Daily interactions
D. Cultural rituals
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Conflict theory emphasizes struggles between groups
over resources.
5. Symbolic interactionism focuses on:
A. Large-scale institutions
B. Economic systems
C. Meanings in everyday interactions
D. Social class conflict
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This perspective studies how people create meaning
through interaction.
6. Culture includes all EXCEPT:
A. Beliefs
B. Values
C. Behaviors
D. Genetics
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Culture is learned, not biologically inherited.
, 7. Norms are best described as:
A. Laws enforced by police
B. Moral principles
C. Rules for acceptable behavior
D. Religious beliefs
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Norms guide how people are expected to behave in
society.
8. Folkways differ from mores because folkways are:
A. Strictly enforced
B. Legally binding
C. Informal and less serious
D. Religious
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Violating folkways has minor social consequences.
9. Which concept refers to beliefs about what is right and wrong?
A. Norms
B. Values
C. Symbols
D. Laws
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Values are deeply held cultural beliefs.
10. Ethnocentrism is:
A. Respect for all cultures
B. Judging other cultures by one’s own standards
C. Cultural neutrality
D. Cultural adaptation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ethnocentrism can lead to misunderstanding and bias.
