Introduction to Sociology

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Questions and Answers

How might a political scientist use comparative politics to understand the rise of populism in different countries?

By comparing political systems, historical contexts, and socio-economic factors to identify common patterns and unique drivers of populism.

Explain how the concept of 'cultural relativism' can be applied to understanding seemingly irrational economic behaviors in different societies.

Cultural relativism suggests understanding behaviors within their cultural context, meaning that 'irrational' economic choices may be rational within a specific cultural framework of values and priorities.

Describe how a sociologist might use both functionalist and conflict perspectives to analyze the role of education in society.

Functionalists see education as promoting social stability through transmitting shared values and skills, while conflict theorists view it as reinforcing social inequalities by reproducing class structures.

What are the key differences between 'classical conditioning' and 'operant conditioning' in psychology, and how might they be applied to understanding behavior?

Classical conditioning involves learning through association, while operant conditioning involves learning through consequences (reinforcement/punishment). Classical explains emotional responses, operant explains voluntary behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how an anthropologist might use ethnographic research to study the impact of globalization on a remote indigenous community.

Ethnography allows anthropologists to immerse themselves in the community, observing daily life, conducting interviews, and documenting cultural changes resulting from increased contact with the outside world. Signup and view all the answers

In economics, how does the concept of 'opportunity cost' influence decision-making at the individual and governmental levels?

Opportunity cost forces decision-makers to consider the value of the next best alternative, impacting choices about resource allocation, investments, and policy priorities at both individual and governmental levels. Signup and view all the answers

How can the 'bystander effect,' a concept in social psychology, explain the lack of intervention in cases of online harassment or cyberbullying?

The bystander effect suggests that individuals are less likely to intervene when others are present, diffusing personal responsibility. In online settings, this is amplified by anonymity and the perceived ambiguity of the situation. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how Karl Marx's theory of class conflict can be applied to analyze modern labor disputes or income inequality issues.

Marx's theory views society as divided into conflicting classes based on economic interests. It helps analyze labor disputes as struggles over resources and power, and explains income inequality as the result of systemic exploitation. Signup and view all the answers

How might a political scientist use 'game theory' to analyze international negotiations between countries with conflicting interests?

Game theory models strategic interactions, helping analyze the potential outcomes of negotiations, predict each country's behavior based on self-interest, and identify strategies that maximize gains or minimize losses. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the concept of 'cognitive dissonance' in psychology can be used to understand why people may continue to support policies even when evidence suggests they are ineffective or harmful.

Cognitive dissonance creates discomfort when beliefs are challenged. To reduce this discomfort, individuals may rationalize their support by downplaying negative evidence or emphasizing perceived benefits, reinforcing existing beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Sociology

The study of society, social behavior, and social change, examining groups, organizations, and how people interact.

Social stratification

Social stratification refers to a system in which society ranks categories of people into a hierarchy.