All Categories MCQs
Topic Notes: All Categories
General Description
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
82021
Which term describes the deliberate act of teaching a child specific social etiquette, such as expressing gratitude?
Answer:
conscious socialization
Conscious socialization refers to the intentional and explicit efforts made by parents, teachers, or guardians to transmit cultural values, norms, and behaviors to a child. By explicitly instructing a child to say 'thank you,' the adult is actively shaping the child's social skills and moral development through direct communication and reinforcement of desired social conduct.
82022
Which category of beliefs and values is considered more flexible and susceptible to modification?
Answer:
Secondary
Secondary beliefs and values are more flexible and open to change, unlike core or primary ones which are deeply ingrained and resistant to modification. This flexibility allows for adaptation and evolution in consumer behavior in response to new experiences, social trends, or information, making them a key focus for marketers.
82023
Which alternative term is commonly used to describe the cultural transmission theory of deviance?
Answer:
differential association theory
Cultural transmission theory, most notably associated with Edwin Sutherland, is synonymous with differential association theory. This perspective posits that criminal behavior is learned through social interaction with others who hold deviant values. Individuals become deviant when they are exposed to an excess of definitions favorable to violating the law compared to definitions unfavorable to violating the law within their primary social groups.
82024
What is the defining characteristic of a psychosomatic illness?
Answer:
anxiety or emotional tension producing physical symptoms
Psychosomatic illness refers to physical symptoms that are caused or exacerbated by psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, or emotional tension. These are not 'imaginary' but are real physiological manifestations of mental states. The mind-body connection plays a crucial role, where chronic emotional distress can lead to tangible health issues like hypertension, digestive problems, or skin conditions, requiring a holistic approach to treatment.
82025
What is the specific term for a mental health treatment approach that utilizes reinforcement and punishment to modify problematic behaviors?
Answer:
behavior therapy
Behavior therapy, often referred to as behavior modification, is a clinical approach rooted in learning theory. It aims to change maladaptive behaviors by applying principles of operant conditioning, such as positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, and punishment. By systematically altering the consequences of specific actions, therapists help patients replace dysfunctional behaviors with more adaptive ones, focusing on observable outcomes rather than just internal psychological processes.
82026
How is the concept of primary deviance defined in sociological terms?
Answer:
minor acts of deviance common to everyone
Primary deviance refers to the initial, often minor, acts of rule-breaking that do not result in the individual adopting a deviant identity. Most people engage in primary deviance at some point without it significantly altering their social status or self-perception. It is distinguished from secondary deviance, which occurs only after the individual has been labeled and has internalized that label as a core part of their identity.
82027
What is the primary focus of Gestalt psychology when analyzing human experience?
Answer:
behavior as whole
Gestalt psychology is based on the principle that the whole of an experience is greater than the sum of its individual parts. Rather than breaking down behavior or perception into isolated components or instincts, Gestalt psychologists examine how individuals organize sensory information into meaningful, unified patterns. This holistic approach emphasizes that human behavior must be understood in its entirety to be accurately interpreted.
82028
In the context of Robert Merton's strain theory, what does the term 'anomie' signify?
Answer:
lack of legitimate means to attain group goals
Robert Merton defined anomie as a state of normlessness or a breakdown in the social structure where there is a significant disconnect between culturally prescribed goals and the legitimate means available to achieve them. When individuals cannot reach success through conventional paths, they may resort to deviant methods, leading to social instability. This concept is central to understanding how social structures influence individual behavior and deviance.
82029
What is the primary distinction between symbols and signals in communication?
Answer:
None of the above
Symbols and signals both convey meaning, but symbols are learned and culturally constructed, unlike signals which are often innate or instinctive. Symbols derive their meaning from social agreement and context, whereas signals are typically direct, biological responses to stimuli. Since none of the provided options accurately describe this distinction, 'None of the above' is the correct choice.
82030
What was the observed behavioral consequence for the Ik people of Uganda following the loss of their traditional hunting grounds?
Answer:
their formerly outgoing personalities changed
The Ik people were studied by Colin Turnbull, who observed that the loss of their traditional hunting grounds and the resulting extreme scarcity led to a breakdown in social cohesion. This environmental pressure caused a profound shift in their social behavior and personality traits, moving from a previously cooperative and outgoing society to one characterized by extreme individualism and the erosion of traditional social bonds.