MCAT psych soc sociological theories key terms
This study set covers key sociological theories and terms relevant for the MCAT psychology and sociology sections, providing concise questions and answers for effective review.
Quiz(36 Fragen)
1. What does the term 'socialization' refer to?
Begriffe in diesem Lernset(36)
Sociological Perspectives(16)
What is the main focus of functionalism?
Functionalism focuses on how various social institutions and processes contribute to social stability.
Conflict theory emphasizes what aspect of society?
Conflict theory emphasizes power differentials, social inequality, and competition between groups.
True or False: Symbolic interactionism ignores large-scale social structures.
True - Symbolic interactionism focuses on small-scale, day-to-day interactions and meanings.
Fill in the blank: The __________ perspective views society as a living organism.
Functionalist - This perspective sees each part of society working to maintain stability.
Compare functionalism and conflict theory.
- Functionalism: stability and order. - Conflict theory: power struggles and inequalities.
What does social constructionism emphasize?
Social constructionism emphasizes how social phenomena are created through interactions and cultural norms.
Cause → Effect: An increase in social cohesion leads to...
...greater societal stability and reduced crime rates.
What is the primary concern of symbolic interactionism?
The primary concern is understanding how individuals interpret and give meaning to social symbols.
True or False: Conflict theory supports existing social structures.
False - Conflict theory challenges existing structures and advocates for change.
What is the role of norms in functionalism?
Norms are essential for maintaining social order and stability in society.
Give an example of symbolic interactionism in everyday life.
How people use gestures and language to convey emotions and intentions in conversations.
Fill in the blank: __________ theory focuses on the competition between groups for resources.
Conflict - This theory highlights the struggles between different social classes.
What are the three main sociological perspectives?
1. Functionalism 2. Conflict Theory 3. Symbolic Interactionism
True or False: All sociological perspectives agree on the nature of society.
False - Different perspectives offer varying interpretations of societal functions and dynamics.
What does the term 'anomie' refer to in sociology?
Anomie refers to a state of normlessness, leading to social instability.
Cause → Effect: Social change can lead to...
...a shift in cultural norms and values over time.
Key Terms and Concepts(20)
What is the definition of socialization?
The process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, and norms of their culture.
Define role conflict.
Occurs when an individual faces competing demands from different roles they occupy.
True or False: Social institutions are unchanging.
False - Social institutions evolve over time to adapt to changing societal needs.
What is a norm?
Expectations or rules regarding acceptable behavior in a society.
Which theory emphasizes the importance of symbols in communication?
Symbolic Interactionism - Focuses on how individuals interpret and give meaning to symbols.
List three examples of social institutions.
- Family - Education - Religion
What is the concept of anomie?
A state of normlessness or instability in society, often due to rapid change.
Compare manifest and latent functions.
Manifest functions are intended and recognized; latent functions are unintended and hidden.
Define cultural relativism.
The practice of assessing a culture by its own standards rather than viewing it through the lens of another culture.
What does the term 'groupthink' refer to?
A psychological phenomenon where the desire for harmony in a decision-making group leads to irrational or dysfunctional outcomes.
Fill in the blank: Social ______ is the way individuals are shaped by society.
ization
What is a social stratification?
The hierarchical arrangement of individuals in a society based on wealth, power, and prestige.
True or False: Social mobility is always upward.
False - Social mobility can be upward or downward, affecting an individual's social status.
Define the term 'counterculture.'
Cultural groups that reject and oppose mainstream societal norms and values.
What is a subculture?
A cultural group within a larger culture, differentiated by its values, norms, and practices.
What does the term 'social capital' refer to?
The networks of relationships among people that enable society to function effectively.
List two key components of social structure.
- Roles - Institutions
What is the definition of stigma?
A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.
Cause → Effect: Increased education levels lead to _____.
Greater social mobility and improved economic prospects.
What is the difference between primary and secondary groups?
Primary groups are characterized by close, personal relationships; secondary groups are more formal and impersonal.
Fragen in diesem Lernset(36)
1. What does the term 'socialization' refer to?
2. What is the main focus of functionalism in sociology?
3. Which of the following best describes role conflict?
4. Conflict theory primarily examines which aspect of society?
5. True or False: Social institutions are static and do not change over time.
6. True or False: Symbolic interactionism is primarily concerned with large-scale social forces.
7. What defines a norm in a society?
8. Complete the sentence: The __________ perspective views society as an interconnected system where each part plays a role.
9. Which theory focuses on symbols in social interactions?
10. Which statement best contrasts functionalism and conflict theory?
11. Select three examples of social institutions.
12. What does social constructionism highlight in the context of sociology?
13. What is the meaning of anomie?
14. Cause → Effect: Increased social integration can lead to which outcome?
15. Compare manifest functions and latent functions.
16. What is the main concern of symbolic interactionism?
17. Define cultural relativism.
18. True or False: Conflict theory generally supports the status quo.
19. What is groupthink?
20. What role do norms play according to functionalist theory?
21. Fill in the blank: Social ______ is the way individuals are shaped by society.
22. Which of the following is an example of symbolic interactionism in daily life?
23. What is social stratification?
24. Fill in the blank: __________ theory focuses on the competition for resources among social groups.
25. True or False: Social mobility can only occur upward.
26. What are the three primary sociological perspectives?
27. What does 'counterculture' mean?
28. True or False: All sociological perspectives agree on the definition of society.
29. What is a subculture?
30. In sociology, what does the term 'anomie' refer to?
31. What does 'social capital' refer to?
32. Cause → Effect: Social change often results in which of the following?
33. List two key components of social structure.
34. What is the definition of stigma?
35. Cause → Effect: Increased education levels lead to _____.
36. What distinguishes primary groups from secondary groups?
Ähnliche Lernsets
Vorurteile und Stereotype Zusammenfassung
Abitur: Konformität
Wiederholung: Gehorsam
Abitur: Attribution
Klausur: Kognitive Dissonanz Festinger
Groupthink und Gruppenprozesse Zusammenfassung
Klausur: Bystander-Effekt prosoziales Verhalten
Klausur: Einstellung und Verhalten
Eigenes Lernset erstellen
Lade ein PDF hoch, füge Notizen ein oder beschreibe ein Thema – KI erstellt Karteikarten, Quizze und mehr in Sekunden.
