What is sociology? correct answers The systematic study of human society, sociologists try to
uncover social forces that influence human behavior
What are some alternatives to social research? correct answers Authority (parents etc.)
Tradition (authority of the past
Common sense (ordinary reasoning-just makes sense)
Media myths and personal experience
How does sociology differ from psychology? correct answers Psychologists focus on what's
going on in an individual's head while sociology is the whole or group and what goes on between
people
What is the sociological perspective? correct answers Seeing the general in the particular (The
greater people's social marginality the better they're able to use the sociological perspective)
Be familiar with the four benefits of sociology correct answers 1. The soc. Perspective helps us
assess the truth of "common sense"
2. It helps us see the opportunities and constraints in our lives
3. It empowers us to be active participants in our society
4. It helps us live in a diverse world
What is the difference between stratification and inequality? correct answers Inequality is the
condition where by people have unequal access to valued resources and Stratification is the
unequal distribution of rewards, resources, and valued resources(how you get to inequality)
Forms of stratification include: race, class, gender, age, sexual orientation and other
characteristics
, What is the difference between ascribed and achieved characteristics? correct answers Ascribed:
characteristics acquired at birth/usually unchangeable.
Achieved: characteristics that can be acquired
What is an institution correct answers Relatively permanent patterns of specialized roles, groups,
organizations, and activities that meet some fundamental social needs
Examples: family, education, religion, politics, economics
Power, authority, and prestige (how are they different from each other?) correct answers Power:
The ability to control events or determine behavior of others despite resistance
Authority: A specific form of control where the right to command is considered appropriate and
legitimate
Prestige: Social honor and respect
Power and authority are not always connected
Values, beliefs, norms, and culture (how are they different from each other?) correct answers
Values: Standards of desirability: collective expressions of judgment
Beliefs: Ideas or assumptions about the nature of the social and physical reality
Norms: Rules that define what behavior is expected. Required, or expected in particular
circumstances
Culture: Values, beliefs, and norms that humans pass from one generation to the next
What is the relationship between culture and social structure? correct answers Culture: values,
beliefs, and norms that humans pass from one generation to the next
Social Structure: Structure of culture
Know the differences between basic and applied research. correct answers Basic Research:
advances knowledge about how the social world works and develops
Applied Research: Attempts to solve a concrete problem or address a specific policy question.
The research has direct practical implications