1. Who proposed the idea that societies are improved by the principle of "the survival of the fittest"?
A. Herbert Spencer Correct
B. Karl Marx
C. Max Weber
D. Jane Addams
Explanation
The phrase 'survival of the fittest' was coined by Herbert Spencer after reading Charles Darwin’s work on natural selection. Spencer applied this biological concept to human societies, economics, and social development, arguing that societal progress results from competition where the most capable individuals and institutions naturally succeed. Karl Marx focused on class struggle and economic determinism, not biological or competitive fitness. Max Weber analyzed rationalization, bureaucracy, and the role of religion in societal development, without invoking evolutionary fitness. Jane Addams was a social reformer and pioneer in social work, emphasizing cooperation and social justice rather than competitive survival.
2. What did Auguste Comte apply to the study of the social world?
A. Logic
B. Theory
C. Class conflict
D. The scientific method Correct
Explanation
Auguste Comte, considered the founder of sociology, coined the term 'positivism,' advocating the application of the scientific method—observation, experimentation, and comparison—to understand social phenomena. He believed society operates under discoverable laws, similar to the natural world. Logic and theory are components of scientific inquiry but not the overarching framework he championed. Class conflict is central to Karl Marx’s analysis, not Comte’s. The scientific method encapsulates Comte’s core contribution to establishing sociology as a systematic, empirical discipline.
3. Which perspective involves thinking about society as a functioning unit, with each part related to the whole?
A. Functionalist Correct
B. Symbolic interactionism
C. Conflict
D. Feminist
Explanation
The functionalist perspective views society as a complex system where parts work together to promote stability and social order. Institutions like family, education, and religion are seen as interdependent components contributing to the overall functioning of society. Symbolic interactionism focuses on micro-level interactions and meaning creation through symbols. Conflict theory emphasizes power struggles and inequality. Feminist theory centers on gender inequality and patriarchal structures. Only functionalism frames society as an integrated whole where each part serves a purpose for the system’s maintenance.
4. In which research method does the researcher participate with the subjects in their own setting while observing what is happening in that setting?
A. Experiment
B. Survey
C. Case study
D. Field research Correct
Explanation
Field research, particularly participant observation, involves the researcher immersing themselves in the subjects’ natural environment, engaging in daily activities while systematically observing and recording social behavior. Experiments manipulate variables in controlled settings, not natural environments. Surveys collect data through questionnaires or interviews without direct observation in context. Case studies involve in-depth analysis of a single case but do not require active participation in the subjects’ setting. Only field research combines participation and contextual observation in real-world settings.
5. What is the focus of a social-conflict analysis of sports?
A. The way sports show how society is composed of many parts
B. The importance of how much money a team makes
C. The way sports reflect social inequality and competition Correct
D. The different meanings people attach to games
Explanation
Social-conflict analysis views sports as a reflection of power, inequality, and competition, highlighting disparities in access, resources, pay, and representation along class, race, and gender lines. The idea that society is composed of interrelated parts aligns with functionalism. Financial aspects like team revenue are not the central focus—inequality and structural competition are. Meanings attached to games are studied through symbolic interactionism, which focuses on micro-level interpretations rather than macro-level power dynamics.