Mcat Sociology| 140 QUESTIONS| WITH
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
Conflict Theory Correct Answer: a theoretical framework in which society is viewed as
composed of groups that are competing for scarce resources
conflict can lead to changev
Symbolic Interactionism Correct Answer: a micro-level theory in which shared meanings,
orientations, and assumptions form the basic motivations behind people's actions
why: humans seek MEANING
predicts: come customs will be passed down, cultures will blend
Structural Functionalism Correct Answer: a conceptual framework: each element of society
serves a particular function to keep the entire system in equilibrium
society seeks equilibrium, whole is greater than the sum of parts
humans inherently cooperative.
why: we need one another, will divide labour to make it function better
predicts: division of labour will intensify, each group will have to adapt to reattain equilibrium
sociological perspective Correct Answer: understanding human behavior by placing it within its
broader social context
social constructionism Correct Answer: explores how individuals and groups make decisions to
agree upon a given social reality
sense of reality comes from jointly constructed understandings
sociological imagination Correct Answer: the ability to see the link between society and self
"personal troubles" stem from "public issues" (ie. joblessness)
social exchange theory Correct Answer: the theory that our social behavior is an exchange
process, the aim of which is to maximize benefits and minimize costs
Both parties decide if the benefits outweigh the cost
focus on RELATIONSHIPS
,Rational Choice Theory Correct Answer: A popular theory in political science to explain the
actions of voters as well as politicians.
It assumes that individuals act in their own best interest (rational to THEM), carefully weighing
the costs and benefits of possible alternatives.
rational:
- goal oriented
- reflective
- consistent
Praise for SET/RCT (Social Exchange/Rational Choice) Correct Answer: humans are logical,
decision making
credit's people's intelligence
promote tolerance
criticism against SET/RTC Correct Answer: underestimate power of emotions
don't explain self-sabotaging behaviour (guilt, low self-esteem, fear of change etc. will prevent
people from making rational choice)
all cultures contain the following elements Correct Answer: 1. beliefs
2. language
3. rituals
4. symbols
5. values
cultural diversity Correct Answer: cultural variations WITHIN a group
subculture Correct Answer: population subset with unique interests that sets them slightly apart
from larger culture
can be culturally accepted within larger group, or not accepted (counter culture)
Counter Culture Correct Answer: A culture with lifestyles and values OPPOSED to those of the
established culture.
cultural transmission Correct Answer: the process by which one generation passes culture to the
next. teaching practices within your own culture
cultural transfusion Correct Answer: spreading cultural practices from one culture to another
Ethnocentrism Correct Answer: Belief in the superiority of one's nation or ethnic group OR
, using one's own culture as a standard against which to judge other cultures
relativism Correct Answer: assessing people and their practices through their values rather than
one's own
culture lag Correct Answer: a period of maladjustment when the nonmaterial culture is still
struggling to adapt to new material conditions
technology changes before values have a chance to catch up
self-fulfilling prophecy Correct Answer: an expectation that causes you to act in ways that make
that expectation come true.
many people act in accordance with stereotypes others have of them as it's easier than fighting
social expectations
stereotype threat Correct Answer: the apprehension experienced by members of a group that
their behavior might confirm a cultural stereotype
once they are aware of their group membership, their performance suffers
Bias Correct Answer: A particular preference or point of view that is personal, rather than
scientific. (not OBJECTIVE)
predjudice vs discrimination Correct Answer: prejudice: negative outlook on a person/situation
based on preconceived beliefs
discrimination: negative ACTIONS due to underlying prejudice
role of cognition and emotion in prejudice Correct Answer: people who think in linear,
systematic ways are more likely to be prejudiced
people experiencing frustration, fatigue, fear, are more likely to act on their prejudice
Hypothesis of Relative Deprivation Correct Answer: Upsurge in prejudice when people are
deprived of something they feel entitled to
- prosocial: social movements
- anti socials: violence/vandalism
Herbert Spencer Correct Answer: English philosopher and sociologist who applied the theory of
natural selection to human societies (1820-1903)
Auguste Comte Correct Answer: founder of sociology
Karl Marx Correct Answer: founder of modern communism
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
Conflict Theory Correct Answer: a theoretical framework in which society is viewed as
composed of groups that are competing for scarce resources
conflict can lead to changev
Symbolic Interactionism Correct Answer: a micro-level theory in which shared meanings,
orientations, and assumptions form the basic motivations behind people's actions
why: humans seek MEANING
predicts: come customs will be passed down, cultures will blend
Structural Functionalism Correct Answer: a conceptual framework: each element of society
serves a particular function to keep the entire system in equilibrium
society seeks equilibrium, whole is greater than the sum of parts
humans inherently cooperative.
why: we need one another, will divide labour to make it function better
predicts: division of labour will intensify, each group will have to adapt to reattain equilibrium
sociological perspective Correct Answer: understanding human behavior by placing it within its
broader social context
social constructionism Correct Answer: explores how individuals and groups make decisions to
agree upon a given social reality
sense of reality comes from jointly constructed understandings
sociological imagination Correct Answer: the ability to see the link between society and self
"personal troubles" stem from "public issues" (ie. joblessness)
social exchange theory Correct Answer: the theory that our social behavior is an exchange
process, the aim of which is to maximize benefits and minimize costs
Both parties decide if the benefits outweigh the cost
focus on RELATIONSHIPS
,Rational Choice Theory Correct Answer: A popular theory in political science to explain the
actions of voters as well as politicians.
It assumes that individuals act in their own best interest (rational to THEM), carefully weighing
the costs and benefits of possible alternatives.
rational:
- goal oriented
- reflective
- consistent
Praise for SET/RCT (Social Exchange/Rational Choice) Correct Answer: humans are logical,
decision making
credit's people's intelligence
promote tolerance
criticism against SET/RTC Correct Answer: underestimate power of emotions
don't explain self-sabotaging behaviour (guilt, low self-esteem, fear of change etc. will prevent
people from making rational choice)
all cultures contain the following elements Correct Answer: 1. beliefs
2. language
3. rituals
4. symbols
5. values
cultural diversity Correct Answer: cultural variations WITHIN a group
subculture Correct Answer: population subset with unique interests that sets them slightly apart
from larger culture
can be culturally accepted within larger group, or not accepted (counter culture)
Counter Culture Correct Answer: A culture with lifestyles and values OPPOSED to those of the
established culture.
cultural transmission Correct Answer: the process by which one generation passes culture to the
next. teaching practices within your own culture
cultural transfusion Correct Answer: spreading cultural practices from one culture to another
Ethnocentrism Correct Answer: Belief in the superiority of one's nation or ethnic group OR
, using one's own culture as a standard against which to judge other cultures
relativism Correct Answer: assessing people and their practices through their values rather than
one's own
culture lag Correct Answer: a period of maladjustment when the nonmaterial culture is still
struggling to adapt to new material conditions
technology changes before values have a chance to catch up
self-fulfilling prophecy Correct Answer: an expectation that causes you to act in ways that make
that expectation come true.
many people act in accordance with stereotypes others have of them as it's easier than fighting
social expectations
stereotype threat Correct Answer: the apprehension experienced by members of a group that
their behavior might confirm a cultural stereotype
once they are aware of their group membership, their performance suffers
Bias Correct Answer: A particular preference or point of view that is personal, rather than
scientific. (not OBJECTIVE)
predjudice vs discrimination Correct Answer: prejudice: negative outlook on a person/situation
based on preconceived beliefs
discrimination: negative ACTIONS due to underlying prejudice
role of cognition and emotion in prejudice Correct Answer: people who think in linear,
systematic ways are more likely to be prejudiced
people experiencing frustration, fatigue, fear, are more likely to act on their prejudice
Hypothesis of Relative Deprivation Correct Answer: Upsurge in prejudice when people are
deprived of something they feel entitled to
- prosocial: social movements
- anti socials: violence/vandalism
Herbert Spencer Correct Answer: English philosopher and sociologist who applied the theory of
natural selection to human societies (1820-1903)
Auguste Comte Correct Answer: founder of sociology
Karl Marx Correct Answer: founder of modern communism
