Introduction to Sociology – Old Dominion University –
Exam 1 Study Guide
Rationalization according to Max Weber - correct answer ✔✔ the organization of public life
according to the principles of efficiency
Symbolic Interactionism - correct answer ✔✔ explains social behavior in terms of how people
interact with each other via symbols; in this view, social structures are best understood in terms
of such individual interactions.
Functionalism - correct answer ✔✔ society consists of different but related parts, each of which
serves a particular purpose.
Rational Choice Theory - correct answer ✔✔ explains social phenomena as outcomes of
individual choices that can—in some way—be construed as rational. Choices are "rational" if
they meet some consistency criterion as defined by a decision theory and are suitable to
achieve specific goals, given the constraints of the situation.
What is sociological imagination, according to C. Wright Mills? - correct answer ✔✔ each of us
lives in a very small orbit, and our worldview is limited by the social situations we encounter on
a daily basis.
According to Karl Marx, what are the differences between the two classes that make up a
capitalist society? - correct answer ✔✔ the rich own things, companies, factories, etc. while the
poor do not own the means of their livelihood but must find employment provided by the
owners of the capital (rich).
In what key ways did Weber's interpretation of modern development differ from that of Marx? -
correct answer ✔✔ MARX: the main dynamic of modern development is the expansion of
capitalism. Society is divided by the class differences.
Exam 1 Study Guide
Rationalization according to Max Weber - correct answer ✔✔ the organization of public life
according to the principles of efficiency
Symbolic Interactionism - correct answer ✔✔ explains social behavior in terms of how people
interact with each other via symbols; in this view, social structures are best understood in terms
of such individual interactions.
Functionalism - correct answer ✔✔ society consists of different but related parts, each of which
serves a particular purpose.
Rational Choice Theory - correct answer ✔✔ explains social phenomena as outcomes of
individual choices that can—in some way—be construed as rational. Choices are "rational" if
they meet some consistency criterion as defined by a decision theory and are suitable to
achieve specific goals, given the constraints of the situation.
What is sociological imagination, according to C. Wright Mills? - correct answer ✔✔ each of us
lives in a very small orbit, and our worldview is limited by the social situations we encounter on
a daily basis.
According to Karl Marx, what are the differences between the two classes that make up a
capitalist society? - correct answer ✔✔ the rich own things, companies, factories, etc. while the
poor do not own the means of their livelihood but must find employment provided by the
owners of the capital (rich).
In what key ways did Weber's interpretation of modern development differ from that of Marx? -
correct answer ✔✔ MARX: the main dynamic of modern development is the expansion of
capitalism. Society is divided by the class differences.
