Sociology Chapter 1 Quiz

Chapter 1: Introduction to Sociology

• Sociology examines human society and social behavior.
• Sociological imagination connects personal experiences to broader historical forces.
• August Comte is known for founding sociology and introducing "social physics" or positivism.
• Three key theoretical perspectives:
  • Conflict Theory: Society is driven by conflicts between interests.
  • Functionalism: Social institutions exist to serve necessary functions.
  • Symbolic Interactionism: Focuses on shared symbols and meanings in human interactions.
• C. Wright Mills emphasized the importance of sociological imagination for critical social analysis.
• Structure refers to patterns that limit choices; agency allows individuals to make independent choices.
• Common sense arises from personal experiences, whereas sociology employs logical reasoning.
• Karl Marx's work laid the foundation for Marxism and Communism.
• Max Weber emphasized understanding subjective experiences in society.
• Emile Durkheim studied social cohesion and changes in relationships due to industrialization.

Chapter 2: Research Methods in Sociology

• Scientific method involves testing hypotheses through systematic observation and experimentation.
• Hypotheses propose relationships between independent and dependent variables.
• Correlation indicates a relationship between two variables, either positive or negative.
• Random samples ensure every population member has an equal chance of selection.
• Reliability indicates consistency of results; validity measures how well a tool assesses its intended target.
• Qualitative research collects non-numeric social data; quantitative research relies on numeric data.
• Generalization involves extending findings to a broader population.
• Surveys collect information through questions; experiments compare outcomes across groups.
  • Experimental group receives intervention; control group does not.
• Observation includes defining concepts for measurement.
• Secondary analysis uses existing data for new research questions.
• The Hawthorne Effect describes changed behavior due to being observed.
• Code of Ethics outlines sociological principles to uphold during research, including:
  • Do no harm.
  • Obtain informed consent.
  • Ensure voluntary participation.

Chapter 3: Culture and Society

• Culture encompasses social categories, beliefs, learned behaviors, and practices.
• Culture is relative and must be examined in a global context.
• Cultural universals are traits found across various cultures and historical periods.
• Globalization describes interconnected changes in economic, cultural, and political realms.
• Diffusion involves the spread of ideas and practices across cultures.
• Sociobiology studies the biological foundations of social behavior.
• Cultural relativism promotes understanding cultural differences without judgment.
• Innovation introduces new societal ideas or practices; discovery reveals unknown cultural aspects.
• Invention signifies an item's or concept's introduction to society.
• Culture includes symbols, language, norms, values, and artifacts.
  • Material culture consists of physical objects; non-material culture includes beliefs and norms.
• Technology refers to the application of knowledge for needs and wants.
• Cultural lag denotes the gap between new technology and its societal adoption.
• Culture variations affect cuisine, gender roles, economic systems, and social hierarchies.
• The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis suggests language influences thought processes.
• Values represent moral beliefs; norms dictate appropriate behaviors.
  • Mores are moral standards; folkways are everyday customs.
• Positive sanctions reward norm compliance; negative sanctions punish violations.
• Dominant ideology provides societal explanations and frameworks.
• Reflection theory suggests culture mirrors social structures.
• Code switching involves shifting meanings or languages contextually.
• Cultural scripts shape gender behavior and understanding.
• Subculture and counterculture define groups with distinct beliefs, values, or norms.
• Culture shock arises from unfamiliar symbols and meanings.
• Ethnocentrism views one’s culture as superior to others, promoting bias.