SOCA 101 WVU -Brewster Quiz 1 (chap 1
and 2) And Quiz 2 (chap 3+4) Test
Questions All Answered Correct 2026-
2027 Edition.
sociology - Answer scientific study of human social relationships, groups, societies; the
systematic study of the relationship between the individual and society and of the
consequences of difference
common sense often __________ - Answer distorts reality, often contradictory, common
sense perceptions change over time, based on myths and misconceptions
sociological imagination - Answer the ability to grasp the relationship between individual lives
and the larger social forces that shape them; ***Relationship between personal troubles and
public issues; WHERE BIOGRAPHY AND HISTORY INTERSECT***; ex: american dream, poverty
agency - Answer the ability of individuals and groups to exercise free will and to make social
change whether on a small or large scale
structure - Answer patterned social arrangements that have an effect on agency; our choices
are enabled or constrained by this; reciprocal relationship
critical thinking - Answer the ability to evaluate claims about the truth by using reason and
evidence. We frequently accept things as "true" because they are familiar, feel right, or are
consistent with our beliefs.
steps in critical thinking - Answer Be willing to ask any questions, no matter how difficult.
Think logically and be clear.
Back up your arguments with evidence.
Think about the assumptions and biases- including your own- that underlie all studies.
Avoid anecdotal evidence.
Be willing to admit when you are wrong or uncertain about your results.
sociological thinking is rooted in ___________ - Answer rooted in 4 interrelated historical
developments:
1. scientific revolution
2. the enlightenment
, 3. urbanization
4. industrial revolution
scientific revolution - Answer belief in science and reason
the enlightenment - Answer equality, liberty, and fundamental human rights
urbanization - Answer mass migration from rural farms to urban factories
industrial revolution - Answer shift from agricultural to manufacturing
auguste comte - Answer *the "father of sociology"
*argued for the empirical study of society
*analyzed social statics (the way society is held together)
dynamics - Answer the laws that govern social change
positivism - Answer a belief that accurate knowledge must be based on the scientific method
Harriet Martineau - Answer *one of the earliest observers of American culture
*used the powers of social observation to record and analyze the social structure of American
society
*focus on gender discrimination and slavery
*why is this seen as acceptable? Justified?
max weber - Answer *argued for the importance of ideas, ideologies, and charismatic leaders
*argued for verstehen or subjective understanding
*argued for value-free society
*rationalization of society
rationalization of society - Answer the long term historical process by which rationality
replaced tradition as the basis for organizing social and economic life
emile durkheim - Answer Analyzed social order, social solidarity (we associate with people
who look like us) division of labor (men vs women), and social integration
Collective conscience- shared values of society
and 2) And Quiz 2 (chap 3+4) Test
Questions All Answered Correct 2026-
2027 Edition.
sociology - Answer scientific study of human social relationships, groups, societies; the
systematic study of the relationship between the individual and society and of the
consequences of difference
common sense often __________ - Answer distorts reality, often contradictory, common
sense perceptions change over time, based on myths and misconceptions
sociological imagination - Answer the ability to grasp the relationship between individual lives
and the larger social forces that shape them; ***Relationship between personal troubles and
public issues; WHERE BIOGRAPHY AND HISTORY INTERSECT***; ex: american dream, poverty
agency - Answer the ability of individuals and groups to exercise free will and to make social
change whether on a small or large scale
structure - Answer patterned social arrangements that have an effect on agency; our choices
are enabled or constrained by this; reciprocal relationship
critical thinking - Answer the ability to evaluate claims about the truth by using reason and
evidence. We frequently accept things as "true" because they are familiar, feel right, or are
consistent with our beliefs.
steps in critical thinking - Answer Be willing to ask any questions, no matter how difficult.
Think logically and be clear.
Back up your arguments with evidence.
Think about the assumptions and biases- including your own- that underlie all studies.
Avoid anecdotal evidence.
Be willing to admit when you are wrong or uncertain about your results.
sociological thinking is rooted in ___________ - Answer rooted in 4 interrelated historical
developments:
1. scientific revolution
2. the enlightenment
, 3. urbanization
4. industrial revolution
scientific revolution - Answer belief in science and reason
the enlightenment - Answer equality, liberty, and fundamental human rights
urbanization - Answer mass migration from rural farms to urban factories
industrial revolution - Answer shift from agricultural to manufacturing
auguste comte - Answer *the "father of sociology"
*argued for the empirical study of society
*analyzed social statics (the way society is held together)
dynamics - Answer the laws that govern social change
positivism - Answer a belief that accurate knowledge must be based on the scientific method
Harriet Martineau - Answer *one of the earliest observers of American culture
*used the powers of social observation to record and analyze the social structure of American
society
*focus on gender discrimination and slavery
*why is this seen as acceptable? Justified?
max weber - Answer *argued for the importance of ideas, ideologies, and charismatic leaders
*argued for verstehen or subjective understanding
*argued for value-free society
*rationalization of society
rationalization of society - Answer the long term historical process by which rationality
replaced tradition as the basis for organizing social and economic life
emile durkheim - Answer Analyzed social order, social solidarity (we associate with people
who look like us) division of labor (men vs women), and social integration
Collective conscience- shared values of society
