Understanding Social Structures and Interactions

What defines a group in sociological terms?

• A collection of people in the same place at the same time

• At least two people who share common goals and ways of thinking

• A web of social relationships

• People who share a social characteristic

Answer explanation

A group in sociological terms is defined as at least two people who share common goals and ways of thinking, highlighting the correct choice.

Which of the following best describes a primary group?

• Emotionally close individuals who seek each other's company

• Large in size with sporadic contact

• A group created to achieve long-term goals

• Goal-oriented and impersonal

Answer explanation

A primary group consists of emotionally close individuals who seek each other's company, emphasizing personal relationships over impersonal goals.

What is the main purpose of a secondary group?

• To enforce extreme loyalty

• To provide emotional support

• To accomplish a specific purpose

• To evaluate ourselves

Answer explanation

The main purpose of a secondary group is to accomplish a specific purpose, such as completing a task or achieving a goal, rather than focusing on emotional support or self-evaluation.

What is a reference group?

• A temporary gathering of people

• A group used for self-evaluation and acquiring attitudes

• A group that competes with others

• A group based on social characteristics

Answer explanation

A reference group is a group used for self-evaluation and acquiring attitudes, not a temporary gathering, competing group, or based on social characteristics.

What distinguishes a social network?

• A group that requires extreme loyalty

• A group with a hierarchy of authority

• A web of social relationships without strict boundaries

• Continuous and close interaction among all members

Answer explanation

A social network is characterized by a web of social relationships without strict boundaries, allowing for connections to form and evolve organically.

What is a characteristic of formal organizations?

• They are primarily based on personal relationships

• They exist without a clear long-term goal

• They are deliberately created to achieve long-term goals

• They discourage rationality and efficiency

Answer explanation

Formal organizations are deliberately created to achieve long-term goals, distinguishing them from informal organizations which are based on personal relationships.

What is a disadvantage of bureaucracies?

• They are designed to protect individuals from arbitrary decisions

• They are informal and flexible

• They lack a clear division of labor

• They can lead to impersonal treatment

Answer explanation

Bureaucracies can lead to impersonal treatment, which is a disadvantage as it may result in individuals feeling dehumanized or overlooked in decision-making processes.

According to the law of oligarchy, what happens to power in an organization?

• It is solely held by the organization's founder

• It is constantly shifting without any clear structure

• It becomes concentrated in the hands of a few

• It is equally distributed among all members

Answer explanation

According to the law of oligarchy, power becomes concentrated in the hands of a few within an organization.

What role does 'groupthink' play in decision making within a group?

• It ensures that all group members can express their opinions freely

• It leads to better decision making by considering all perspectives

• It may result in poor decisions due to the desire for harmony

• It encourages creative and independent thinking

Answer explanation

Groupthink may result in poor decisions due to the desire for harmony, as individuals may prioritize agreement over critical evaluation of alternatives.

What is the primary function of a 'norm' in a social group?

• To dictate the group's hierarchy

• To provide a basis for punishing members

• To guide behavior and expectations within the group

• To establish the group's goals

Answer explanation

The primary function of a 'norm' in a social group is to guide behavior and expectations within the group, ensuring members adhere to certain standards and values.