FAML 400 Family Theories & Dynamics,
Exam 2 Questions and Answers
The Basic Principles of Social Interactionism - Answer-The basic principles are:
Thoughts are shaped by social interaction (socialization) in which individuals learn meanings and
symbols.
Humans act toward things based on the meanings the things things have for them.
Meaning arises out of social interaction between self and others.
Meanings can be modified depending on an individual's interpretation of the situation.
Patterns of action and interaction make up groups and societies.
Definition of concept of "self" - Answer-Humans view themselves as objects and develop feelings and
attitudes toward the self as object (feelings of self arise out of interactions with others).
What is a symbol (defined by symbolic interactionism)? - Answer-A symbol is anything capable of having
multiple meanings.
Define Looking Glass Self - Answer-Gestures give impressions of how we appear to others.
,Assessment of how others are evaluating us.
Self-evaluation - Pride or mortification based on other's perceived assessments.
Premises of Definition of the Situation - Answer-Stresses the importance of perceptions
Reality doesn't exist "out there." It is actively created as we act in and toward the world.
How we perceive or define our situation influences how we act or react to it.
Mead's concept of self - Answer-The ability to step outside yourself and treat yourself as an object in
the environment (describe the self, act toward yourself).
The definition of the "I" in symbolic interactionism. - Answer-The impulsive, spontaneous, unpredictable
part of the self. (Acting without thinking/usually preceded by emotions.)
The definition of the "me" in symbolic interactionism - Answer-The thinking part of self (actions
preceded by thought; based on our goals, competencies, expectations of others in the environment
(combined expectations of others is referred to as the "generalized other"))
Which theory is based on the idea of social survival. - Answer-Structure functionalism is based on this
idea.
These are concepts of structure functionalism. - Answer-Concepts of this theory include:
Families exist so the human species can survive, to meet the needs of the species, and to provides
certain functions.
What types of needs/tasks does the human family need to meet/perform? - Answer-Instrumental and
Expressive
The Benchmark Family is a concept of what theory? - Answer-This type of family is a concept of
structure functionalism.
, What is the Benchmark Family? - Answer-The traditional nuclear family composed of a husband (the
breadwinner), a wife (a homemaker), and their children.
Describe structure functionalism - Answer-People do what is functional and they create sometimes
strange structures to create that functionality that meets their needs.
Secrets are detrimental because... - Answer-- superficial communication (diversion)
- create distance & awkward moments
- eventually will blow up (like a bomb)
- prevent healing
How do you avoid secrets? - Answer-- don't accept to keep a hurtful secret
- encourage secret-holder to share with those that are being harmed and to heal by sharing in an
appropriate way.
Define triangulation - Answer-The emotional process and triangles are the relational structure resulting
from emotional reactivity and human tendency to avoid conflict.
What defines differentiated people? - Answer-This type of people promote the couple relationship, not
the triangle and respect the marital boundary.
What are the three types of triangles? - Answer-Coalition
Displacement
Substitutive
Family Development Theory falls under this paradigm - Answer-This theory falls under the Positivism
paradigm
Exam 2 Questions and Answers
The Basic Principles of Social Interactionism - Answer-The basic principles are:
Thoughts are shaped by social interaction (socialization) in which individuals learn meanings and
symbols.
Humans act toward things based on the meanings the things things have for them.
Meaning arises out of social interaction between self and others.
Meanings can be modified depending on an individual's interpretation of the situation.
Patterns of action and interaction make up groups and societies.
Definition of concept of "self" - Answer-Humans view themselves as objects and develop feelings and
attitudes toward the self as object (feelings of self arise out of interactions with others).
What is a symbol (defined by symbolic interactionism)? - Answer-A symbol is anything capable of having
multiple meanings.
Define Looking Glass Self - Answer-Gestures give impressions of how we appear to others.
,Assessment of how others are evaluating us.
Self-evaluation - Pride or mortification based on other's perceived assessments.
Premises of Definition of the Situation - Answer-Stresses the importance of perceptions
Reality doesn't exist "out there." It is actively created as we act in and toward the world.
How we perceive or define our situation influences how we act or react to it.
Mead's concept of self - Answer-The ability to step outside yourself and treat yourself as an object in
the environment (describe the self, act toward yourself).
The definition of the "I" in symbolic interactionism. - Answer-The impulsive, spontaneous, unpredictable
part of the self. (Acting without thinking/usually preceded by emotions.)
The definition of the "me" in symbolic interactionism - Answer-The thinking part of self (actions
preceded by thought; based on our goals, competencies, expectations of others in the environment
(combined expectations of others is referred to as the "generalized other"))
Which theory is based on the idea of social survival. - Answer-Structure functionalism is based on this
idea.
These are concepts of structure functionalism. - Answer-Concepts of this theory include:
Families exist so the human species can survive, to meet the needs of the species, and to provides
certain functions.
What types of needs/tasks does the human family need to meet/perform? - Answer-Instrumental and
Expressive
The Benchmark Family is a concept of what theory? - Answer-This type of family is a concept of
structure functionalism.
, What is the Benchmark Family? - Answer-The traditional nuclear family composed of a husband (the
breadwinner), a wife (a homemaker), and their children.
Describe structure functionalism - Answer-People do what is functional and they create sometimes
strange structures to create that functionality that meets their needs.
Secrets are detrimental because... - Answer-- superficial communication (diversion)
- create distance & awkward moments
- eventually will blow up (like a bomb)
- prevent healing
How do you avoid secrets? - Answer-- don't accept to keep a hurtful secret
- encourage secret-holder to share with those that are being harmed and to heal by sharing in an
appropriate way.
Define triangulation - Answer-The emotional process and triangles are the relational structure resulting
from emotional reactivity and human tendency to avoid conflict.
What defines differentiated people? - Answer-This type of people promote the couple relationship, not
the triangle and respect the marital boundary.
What are the three types of triangles? - Answer-Coalition
Displacement
Substitutive
Family Development Theory falls under this paradigm - Answer-This theory falls under the Positivism
paradigm
