Introduction to Sociology
Final Assessment Review
(Questions & Solutions)
2025
1
, 1. Multiple Choice
Question:
A hospital administrator is interested in understanding how established
social structures keep the healthcare system stable. Which sociological
perspective explains that every part of society contributes to stability and
equilibrium?
- A. Conflict theory
- B. Symbolic interactionism
- C. Structural functionalism
- D. Rational choice theory
Correct ANS:
C. Structural functionalism
Rationale:
Structural functionalism posits that every component of society serves a
function and contributes to overall stability. In healthcare, this theory
explains how institutions (e.g., hospitals, insurance systems) work
together to maintain the status quo, which can be critically important in
managing community health resources.
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2. Fill-in-the-Blank
Question:
Social determinants of health refer to ______ factors, such as income,
education, and neighborhood environment, that affect individual and
community well-being.
Correct ANS:
social
Rationale:
2
,Social determinants encompass the external social and environmental
conditions—rather than biological ones—that shape health outcomes.
For nursing professionals, recognizing these factors is vital for holistic
patient care and community health initiatives.
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3. True/False
Question:
Symbolic interactionism focuses on how individual day-to-day
interactions and the meanings people attach to these interactions
construct societal norms.
Correct ANS:
True
Rationale:
Symbolic interactionism examines face-to-face interactions and the
symbolic meanings people create during these exchanges. This
perspective is essential in healthcare, where patient–provider
interactions can shape individual experiences and the interpretation of
health information.
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4. Multiple Response
Question:
Which of the following are widely recognized social determinants of
health that can impact patient outcomes? (Select all that apply)
- A. Household income
- B. Level of education
- C. Neighborhood quality
- D. Genetic predisposition
- E. Access to healthcare services
3
, Correct ANSs:
A, B, C, E
Rationale:
Household income, education, neighborhood conditions, and access to
healthcare services are social determinants that influence health
outcomes and disparities. Genetic predispositions, while important, are
biological factors rather than social determinants.
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5. Multiple Choice
Question:
A nurse researcher studying the impact of negative societal labels on
patients with mental illness is most likely drawing on which sociological
theory?
- A. Labeling theory
- B. Conflict theory
- C. Structural functionalism
- D. Social exchange theory
Correct ANS:
A. Labeling theory
Rationale:
Labeling theory examines how individuals come to be classified as
deviant based on societal reactions and how such labels can perpetuate
further deviance. In healthcare, this theory helps explain the stigma
surrounding mental illness and its influence on patient behavior.
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6. Fill-in-the-Blank
Question:
The concept of ______ refers to the way that multiple social identities,
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