Basic Theoretical Perspectives

Question 1

Sociological theory also used by anthropologists

Answer 1

Functionalism

Question 2

Attempts to explain how a society is organized to preform its required functions effectively

Answer 2

Functionalism

Question 3

Focus on how the structures function within a society

Answer 3

Functionalism

Question 4

Examines the roles individuals play within a group

Answer 4

Functionalism

Question 5

Norm = most prevalent behaviors

Answer 5

Functionalism

Question 6

Attpemts to explain how groups of individuals interact as a system

Answer 6

Systems theory

Question 7

Explains the behavior of individuals as inseparable from the group

Answer 7

Systems theory

Question 8

Each member is considered an element of the system and each element has characteristics

Answer 8

Systems theory

Question 9

Whole is more than the sum of its parts

Answer 9

Systems theory

Question 10

Predictable patterns of behaviors

Answer 10

Systems theory

Question 11

Change in one member causes a change in all

Answer 11

Systems theory

Question 12

Attempts to explain how individuals choose how they will act based on their perceptions

Answer 12

Symbolic interaction

Question 13

Emphasizes the mental processes of perception and interpretation in determining the behaviors of individuals

Answer 13

Symbolic interaction

Question 14

Studies the meaning of social interactions in social and physical environments

Answer 14

Symbolic interaction

Question 15

Attempt to explain social inequalities between men and women

Answer 15

Feminist theory

Question 16

Explain impact of sex and gender on behavior

Answer 16

Feminist theory

Question 17

Divisions include liberal equal rights radical socialist

Answer 17

Feminist theory

Question 18

Attempts to explain how individuals choose how they will act based on their perspectives

Answer 18

Symbolic interactionism

Question 19

Emphasizes mental process of perception and interpretation in determining the behavior of individuals

Answer 19

Symbolic interactionism

Question 20

Studies meaning of social interaction in social and physical environments

Answer 20

Symbolic interactionism

Question 21

Attempt to understand the point of view of the person to explain the action

Answer 21

Symbolic interactionism

Question 22

Interactions influence: meaning about shared symbols, specific meanings of self, others and situations

Answer 22

Symbolic interactionism

Question 23

Attempts to explain the social factors that influence how individuals interact within reciprocal relationships

Answer 23

Social exchange

Question 24

Individuals act within each role to maximize the benefits they will receive and minimize the costs

Answer 24

Social exchange

Question 25

Borrows from symbolic interactionism: benefits and costs of a relationship are not facts but perceptions formed by each individual

Answer 25

Social exchange

Question 26

Used to exchange choices of marriage partners, decisions about children…

Answer 26

Social exchange

Question 27

Attempt to describe patterns of growth and change throughout human life span

Answer 27

Developmental

Question 28

There are predictable changes in behavior throughout the life cycle

Answer 28

Developmental

Question 29

Predictability is normative events like marriage and birth of children

Answer 29

Developmental

Question 30

Examine biological, psychological, cultural factors that influence development

Answer 30

Developmental

Question 31

Sociological and political theory that explains how power holds a society together

Answer 31

Conflict

Question 32

Exists in society because of inequalities in power

Answer 32

Conflict

Question 33

Groups compete with one another to meet their needs

Answer 33

Conflict

Question 34

Sometimes viewed as a response to functionalism

Answer 34

Conflict