SOC Unit 1 Review

Sociology is the scientific study of:

• The natural world

• Human behavior and social relationships

• The physical sciences

• Animal behavior

Answer explanation

Sociology focuses on understanding human behavior and social relationships, making it distinct from studies of the natural world, physical sciences, or animal behavior.

The term "sociology" was coined by this founder of sociology:

• Karl Marx

• Émile Durkheim

• Max Weber

• Auguste Comte

Answer explanation

The term "sociology" was coined by Auguste Comte, who is considered the father of sociology. He aimed to establish a science of society, differentiating it from other social sciences.

Compared to history, sociology is more focused on:

• The study of past events

• The analysis of present-day social phenomena

• The natural sciences

• Individual psychology

Answer explanation

Sociology primarily examines contemporary social structures and interactions, making it more focused on the analysis of present-day social phenomena rather than historical events, natural sciences, or individual psychology.

Hypothesis testing in sociology involves:

• Making educated guesses about social phenomena

• Collecting data to test those guesses

• Drawing conclusions based on the data

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Hypothesis testing in sociology encompasses making educated guesses about social phenomena, collecting data to test those guesses, and drawing conclusions based on the data. Therefore, the correct answer is 'All of the above'.

A dependent variable is:

• The variable that is measured

• The variable that is manipulated

• The variable that is controlled

• The variable that is dependent on other variables

Answer explanation

A dependent variable is the one that is measured in an experiment and is affected by changes in other variables. Therefore, it is correctly described as the variable that is dependent on other variables.

Surveys are a popular research method because:

• They are inexpensive to conduct

• They can collect data from a large number of people

• They can provide detailed information about individual experiences

• They allow researchers to manipulate variables

Answer explanation

Surveys are inexpensive to conduct, making them accessible for researchers. This cost-effectiveness allows for broader data collection compared to other methods, which is why this choice is correct.

Which of the following is NOT a focus of sociology?

• Human behavior and social relationships

• The natural world

• Human societies and cultures

• The analysis of present-day social phenomena

Answer explanation

Sociology primarily studies human behavior, social relationships, societies, and cultures. The natural world, however, is not a focus of sociology, making it the correct answer.

Which method involves making educated guesses about social phenomena?

• Hypothesis testing

• Surveys

• Data collection

• Drawing conclusions

Answer explanation

Hypothesis testing involves formulating educated guesses, or hypotheses, about social phenomena and then testing them through research to determine their validity.

A strength of content analysis is that it:

• Can be used to study past events

• Is inexpensive to conduct

• Can be used to study large populations

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Content analysis is versatile; it can study past events through historical documents, is cost-effective compared to other methods, and can analyze large populations by examining extensive data sets. Thus, 'All of the above' is correct.

Conflict theory focuses on:

• The contributions of each part of society

• The power struggles and inequalities in society

• Social interaction and meaning

• The interconnectedness of social structures

Answer explanation

Conflict theory emphasizes the power struggles and inequalities present in society, highlighting how different groups compete for resources and influence, making this the correct focus of the theory.