Exam 5: Separate and Together: Life in Groups

In all probability, the sociology professor who is giving this test would be totally unable to grade a test given in the chemistry department. What aspect of bureaucracy does this illustrate?

Students often complain when they hear their instructor assign group work. One of the biggest problems associated with group assignments is that one person often ends up doing most of the work while others take it easy. This is called

How does the immense value that some cultures place on "the group" contribute to honor killings?

How do fast-food restaurants rationalize the process of providing food to customers, according to Robin Leidner in Fast Food, Fast Talk?

A key challenge for one nation's campaign to improve public health in rural areas was to convince isolated villagers to boil their drinking water in order to kill parasites. The only families who adopted the practice were not well integrated into the village and had few connections to their neighbors. What does this example demonstrate?

What does it mean that social networks can influence people through contagion?

What are the three different types of authority identified by Max Weber? Explain each.

Individual members of a large group often neglect their responsibilities when a task needs to be completed because it is impossible for any one person to receive credit or blame. This phenomenon is called

A man arrested for driving under the influence must attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in accordance with a court order. He attends the meetings so as to avoid a jail sentence and a hefty fine, but not because he wants to. What do sociologists call this kind of conformity?

Which of the following is best suited to preventing groupthink?

Which type of conformity has occurred when someone joins an animal rights group and then adopts a vegan diet?

What are people a part of if they associate with each other on a regular basis because they enjoy spending time together?

________ are the webs of direct and indirect ties that connect individuals to others who may influence them.

What are group members engaging in when they withhold their reservations and criticisms for the sake of consensus?

How does the size of a group affect how it operates and the sorts of relationships that are possible within it?

Lana was always spoiled during her youth. As an only child, she was lavished with praise and gifts from her parents. Unfortunately, they died when Lana was in college, and since then, Lana has remained single and has made no close friends. Her contact with other family members is limited. By virtue of her limited group membership, which of these concepts is Lana more likely to experience?

Explain the criticism of Robert Putnam's concern about the decline of participation in bowling leagues and what that means for U.S. society using the example of virtual communities.

Explain how primary groups and secondary groups are not always distinct and unique from one another.

Leaders whose personal styles make them more task-oriented or goal-oriented and less concerned with people's feelings are called ________ leaders.

How have social networking websites affected social groups?