Sociology Chapter: Mind and Self Concepts

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Questions and Answers

What is the main aim of the positivist approach to theory building?

To generate theory from specific observations
To explain and predict social phenomena (correct)
To understand meanings and perspectives of individuals
To promote social change by critiquing existing power structures

Which of the following research methods is typically associated with the interpretive approach?

Experiments
Interviews (correct)
Statistical analysis
Surveys

What is the key difference between the positivist and interpretive approaches to theory building?

The positivist approach is more critical of power structures than the interpretive approach
The positivist approach is used for social sciences while the interpretive approach is used for natural sciences
The positivist approach starts with a theory and tests it, while the interpretive approach develops theory from research. (correct)
The positivist approach focuses on quantitative data while the interpretive approach focuses on qualitative data.

Which of the following is NOT a goal of theory?

To establish absolute truths about reality (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main assumption of critical approach to theory building?

Power structures shape social realities and marginalize groups. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between ontology and theory building?

Ontology is a theory about the nature of reality that informs different approaches to knowing. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the interpretive approach differ from the positivist approach in terms of methodology?

The interpretive approach aims to understand meanings while the positivist approach aims to test hypotheses. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best reflects the relationship between theory and experience?

Theory and experience are mutually influential, shaping and being shaped by each other. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided content, what is the primary method for developing one's ability to use symbols with common social meanings?

Speaking with others. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key element that differentiates 'Me' from 'I' in the context of self-reflection?

The level of self-awareness. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the content describe the relationship between 'self-concept' and 'behavior'?

Self-concept is a major motivator for behavior. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the core argument regarding the importance of 'meaning' in human behavior?

Individuals act based on the significance they attribute to things. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately reflects the dynamic relationship between individuals and society?

Individuals are actively involved in shaping and recreating social norms. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a theory, as defined in the provided content?

To create a framework for making sense of and explaining social dynamics. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the relationship between concepts in a theory?

Concepts are interconnected through various types of relationships. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic that differentiates 'grand' theories from 'narrow' theories?

The scope of the social phenomena they address. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the coordination process in CMM?

Social Context (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of rule helps individuals interpret the meaning of behavior within a specific context?

Constitutive Rules (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes a 'charmed loop' from a 'strange loop' in communication?

The consistency of meaning throughout the interaction (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios could be classified as an example of a 'strange loop' in CMM?

A person struggling with addiction and engaging in denial (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to CMM, what is the main function of 'resources' in the coordination process?

Helping individuals make sense of their world (D) Signup and view all the answers

How do 'unwanted repetitive patterns' impact coordination in communication?

They lead to conflict and dysfunction in relationships (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential critique of CMM, as mentioned in the text?

Its attempt to encompass too broad a scope, making it difficult to apply in specific contexts (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an accurate representation of how CMM explains the coordination process?

Individuals strive for coordination, but it may not be perfect or complete. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which communication field focuses on the communication dynamics within groups, often analyzing networks, communication patterns, and roles?

Small Group Communication (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of a communication field?

Psychology (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between interpersonal communication and small group communication?

Interpersonal communication involves two people, while small group communication involves three or more. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which communication field explores the influence of various communication channels beyond face-to-face interaction, often studying the impact of media?

Mass Communication (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which communication field focuses on the persuasive efforts of an individual to influence a group, like a teacher addressing students in a classroom?

Rhetoric/Public Communication (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key concept in how theories function within the field of communication?

Concepts can be applied to different situations and contexts. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is "Intracultural Communication" an important communication field?

It helps us understand how communication can lead to conflict between cultures and nations. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are some key elements of a theory in communication?

A theory involves concepts, relationships between these concepts, and it aims to explain, understand, predict, or create change. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the theory, what is the primary driver of the discomfort experienced with dissonance?

The psychological inconsistency between beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples BEST illustrates the concept of dissonance ratio in Cognitive Dissonance Theory?

A person who believes strongly in environmental conservation but drives a gas-guzzling car. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the provided information, how can a person reduce dissonance when they experience it?

Confronting the uncomfortable feelings head-on and striving to resolve the inconsistencies. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios would likely result in the LEAST amount of dissonance, based on the principles of CDT?

A person who believes in healthy eating habits but indulges in fast food occasionally. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary motivation behind a person's desire to reduce dissonance?

To avoid feeling uncomfortable and experiencing psychological distress. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT mentioned as influencing the magnitude of dissonance?

Frequency of the inconsistency (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples BEST illustrates the concept of adding or subtracting cognitions to reduce dissonance?

A smoker justifying their habit by claiming it helps them relax. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the PRIMARY goal of the Cognitive Dissonance Theory?

To explore the psychological processes involved in maintaining consistency. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to Cognitive Dissonance Theory, how might a person with a belief in their own capabilities, experience a shift towards diffidence?

By encountering repeated setbacks or inconsistencies between their perceived capabilities and actual performance. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios exemplifies the concept of 'Selective Perception' as it relates to Cognitive Dissonance Theory and diffidence?

A person who avoids situations that might challenge their existing beliefs about their capabilities. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does Cognitive Dissonance Theory explain the relationship between self-confidence and diffidence?

Individuals with high self-confidence are less likely to experience cognitive dissonance because their beliefs about their abilities and actions are more aligned. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is TRUE about the assumptions of CMM (Core Management of Meaning)?

CMM acknowledges that communication is a complex process, influenced by individual and interpersonal factors, shaping social reality. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the hierarchy of organized meaning within CMM, what is the role of 'Speech Acts'?

They refer to the actions performed through communication, like promises, threats, or compliments. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What level in the hierarchy of organized meaning in CMM focuses on the understanding and agreement between individuals in a relationship?

Relationship (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does CMM view the nature of life and meaning-making?

CMM views life as a dynamic process, where individuals actively create meaning through communication, shaping their own experiences and roles. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the concepts of Cognitive Dissonance Theory and CMM, which of the following statements is most accurate?

Cognitive Dissonance Theory primarily focuses on the individual's internal experience, while CMM emphasizes the role of communication in shaping social reality. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mind

Mind is the ability to use symbols with common social meanings
This ability develops through interactions with others
The better one develops symbolic systems, the more one thinks through everything
Empathy is developed when the mind is developed

Self

Self is the ability to reflect on oneself from the perspective of others
It's hard to see how people see you
Self-reflection involves considering how others view your actions, and using their feedback for self-awareness
This includes understanding how your actions impact others and how you appear to others

Importance of Meaning

Individuals act towards things based on their meanings
Meaning is created and modified through interpretation

Self-Concept

Self-concept is central to behavior
Individuals develop self-concepts by interacting with others
This self-concept then motivates behavior

Individual and Society

People and groups are influenced by cultural and societal processes
Social structures are created and maintained through social interactions

What is Theory?

A theory is a formalized explanation of how things work, useful for understanding social change, predicting outcomes, etc.
Concepts are central ideas in a theory, ranging from concrete to abstract, e.g., 'friendship'
Theories explain concepts and their relationships, whether linear, interactive, or transactional
Theories vary in generality, from broad "grand" theories to specific, "narrow" ones

Approaches to Knowing

Positivist: The world is objective and measurable, following universal laws. Goal is explanation and prediction; testing theory through research, moving from general to specific. Method: quantitative.
Interpretive (Hermeneutic): Reality is socially constructed and interpretations are vital. Goal: understand meaning; generating theory from research moving from specific to general. Method: qualitative.
Critical: Power structures shape social realities and marginalized groups need consideration. Goal: critique the status quo and pursue social justice. Method: analyses power relations, inequalities.

Questions About the World (Ontology, Epistemology, Axiology)

Ontology: the nature of reality (objective or socially constructed)
Epistemology: knowing how we know things (observation, understanding, power relations)
Axiology: the study of values (how values influence research - objectivity vs. subjectivity)

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