Module 1: The Story of Sociology Quiz

A 19th-century engineer and philosopher whose positivism became the basis for sociology as a new scientific discipline; considered to be "THE father of sociology".

• Wright Mills

• Auguste Comte

• Max Weber

• Karl Marx

Answer explanation

Auguste Comte is considered the "Father of Sociology". He blended science with political philosophy, resulting in his theory of Positivism, and coined the term "sociology."

What historical factors preceded the creation of sociology as an academic field? (There are multiple correct answers.)

• the Industrial Revolution

• the Age of Enlightenment

• the Cold War

• Urbanization

Answer explanation

The Industrial Revolution and urbanization both led to an increase in social issues and a weakening of traditions. The Age of Enlightenment saw people actively seeking solutions to issues that came with the Industrial Revolution.

According to Auguste Comte, how did the nature of sociology evolve historically?

• Through humans' natural need to understand one another

• Through evolution and natural human development

• Through the three stages of historical development

What were the Three Stages of Historical Development that Auguste Comte identified?

• the Theological Stage, the Metaphysical Stage and the Scientific Stage

• the Metaphysical Stage, the Psychoanalytical Stage, the Renaissance Stage

• the Spiritual Stage, the Philosophical Stage, the Systematic Stage

Social sciences differ from the humanities due to the former's use of the (a)   to test hypotheses and gather empirical evidence to support conclusions.

Which sociologist developed the idea of the sociological imagination?

• Frank Blackman

• Max Weber

• Emile Durkheim

• C. Wright Mills

Answer explanation

American sociologist, C. Wright Mills (influenced by Marx and Weber) coined the term "social imagination" in 1959 to mean "the vivid awareness of the relationship between personal experience and the wider society".

What are other disciplines, besides sociology, in the social sciences?

• Psychology

• Philosophy

• Communication Studies

• Social Work

• Religion

Answer explanation

The line between social sciences and humanities is somewhat blurry. However, social sciences are more scientific in nature, while humanities are more artistic and performance related.

What made Auguste Comte different from the social philosophers that preceded him?

• They focused on the real society; He focused on the ideal society

• The focused on the ideal society; He focused on the real society

Give examples of how people in Comte's Three Stages of Historical Development would interpret the cause and treatment of an illness.

What is one benefit of incorporating a sociological perspective in viewing the world?