WGU C273 Introduction to Sociology OA Exam 2026 – 2027
400 Practice Questions with Detailed Answers &
Rationales | Complete Test Bank for Western Governors
University | Pass with Confidence" Latest Update 2026
Edition
This Ultimate Test Bank contains 400 meticulously crafted questions covering
every competency area of the WGU C273 Introduction to Sociology Objective
Assessment. Each question includes a detailed rationale to deepen your
understanding and ensure exam success.
Key Features:
- ✅ 400 Authentic Exam-Style Questions with Detailed Rationales
- ✅ Based on Henslin, *Essentials of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach*,
11th Edition (ISBN: 9780133803549)
- ✅ Covers All 5 Competency Areas
- ✅ Most Frequently Tested Concepts Included
- ✅ Complete Answer Key for Quick Reference
- ✅ Updated for 2026-2027 Academic Year
HP 1
,SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF SOCIOLOGY (Questions 1-80)
Question 1
Which of the following types of households has the highest poverty rate in the
United States?
A) Households headed by married couples
B) Households headed by single males
C) Households headed by single females
D) Elderly households
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:The poverty rate of households headed by single females is
currently about 30%, which is significantly higher than any other type of
household. This phenomenon, often referred to as the "feminization of
poverty," reflects systemic economic inequalities that disproportionately
affect women, particularly single mothers who often face challenges in the
labor market, limited access to affordable childcare, and lower wages
compared to their male counterparts. Sociologists study this pattern to
understand how gender, family structure, and economic systems intersect to
create and perpetuate poverty.
HP 2
,Question 2
What is the salience principle?
A) The principle that states we categorize others based on what is most
noticeable about them
B) The principle that states we treat everyone equally regardless of
appearance
C) The principle that states we ignore physical characteristics in social
interactions
D) The principle that states we focus on personality rather than appearance
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The salience principle states that we categorize other people on the
basis of what is most noticeable (i.e., most salient) about them, such as
gender, age, skin color, or cultural dress. This principle is fundamental to
understanding how we perceive and interact with others in social contexts.
When we encounter someone, our brains automatically process salient
characteristics first, which can influence our initial impressions and
subsequent interactions.
HP 3
, Question 3
Sarah is a White mother. Which of the following is true about those
attributes?
A) Both are ascribed statuses
B) Both are achieved statuses
C) White is an ascribed status; mother is an achieved status
D) White is an achieved status; mother is an ascribed status
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Racial categories are defined by the culture and cannot be changed
by the individual, making race an ascribed status—a social position assigned
at birth that is involuntary and typically based on characteristics such as race,
ethnicity, or gender. Becoming a mother, however, is a status women can
control (at least to some extent), making it an achieved status—a social
position that a person attains through their own efforts, choices, or actions.
Question 4
How did the Green Revolution avert the population bomb scenario?
HP 4
400 Practice Questions with Detailed Answers &
Rationales | Complete Test Bank for Western Governors
University | Pass with Confidence" Latest Update 2026
Edition
This Ultimate Test Bank contains 400 meticulously crafted questions covering
every competency area of the WGU C273 Introduction to Sociology Objective
Assessment. Each question includes a detailed rationale to deepen your
understanding and ensure exam success.
Key Features:
- ✅ 400 Authentic Exam-Style Questions with Detailed Rationales
- ✅ Based on Henslin, *Essentials of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach*,
11th Edition (ISBN: 9780133803549)
- ✅ Covers All 5 Competency Areas
- ✅ Most Frequently Tested Concepts Included
- ✅ Complete Answer Key for Quick Reference
- ✅ Updated for 2026-2027 Academic Year
HP 1
,SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF SOCIOLOGY (Questions 1-80)
Question 1
Which of the following types of households has the highest poverty rate in the
United States?
A) Households headed by married couples
B) Households headed by single males
C) Households headed by single females
D) Elderly households
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:The poverty rate of households headed by single females is
currently about 30%, which is significantly higher than any other type of
household. This phenomenon, often referred to as the "feminization of
poverty," reflects systemic economic inequalities that disproportionately
affect women, particularly single mothers who often face challenges in the
labor market, limited access to affordable childcare, and lower wages
compared to their male counterparts. Sociologists study this pattern to
understand how gender, family structure, and economic systems intersect to
create and perpetuate poverty.
HP 2
,Question 2
What is the salience principle?
A) The principle that states we categorize others based on what is most
noticeable about them
B) The principle that states we treat everyone equally regardless of
appearance
C) The principle that states we ignore physical characteristics in social
interactions
D) The principle that states we focus on personality rather than appearance
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The salience principle states that we categorize other people on the
basis of what is most noticeable (i.e., most salient) about them, such as
gender, age, skin color, or cultural dress. This principle is fundamental to
understanding how we perceive and interact with others in social contexts.
When we encounter someone, our brains automatically process salient
characteristics first, which can influence our initial impressions and
subsequent interactions.
HP 3
, Question 3
Sarah is a White mother. Which of the following is true about those
attributes?
A) Both are ascribed statuses
B) Both are achieved statuses
C) White is an ascribed status; mother is an achieved status
D) White is an achieved status; mother is an ascribed status
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Racial categories are defined by the culture and cannot be changed
by the individual, making race an ascribed status—a social position assigned
at birth that is involuntary and typically based on characteristics such as race,
ethnicity, or gender. Becoming a mother, however, is a status women can
control (at least to some extent), making it an achieved status—a social
position that a person attains through their own efforts, choices, or actions.
Question 4
How did the Green Revolution avert the population bomb scenario?
HP 4
