Exam 1: Understanding and Solving Social Problems

The two obligations, or core commitments of sociology, include the ability to use a "sociological eye," and ______.

Sociology emerged because of the need to understand and explain the dramatic cultural, political, and social changes resulting from the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution.

Most people are capable of forming perceptions without being influenced by society or culture.

What is one characteristic of a bad source of information to look out for when conducting a literature review?

A core commitment of gaining a sociological perspective involves the development of a sociological eye by applying your sociological imagination. Identify a social problem and briefly discuss how you would use your sociological imagination to understand the causes and solutions of that problem.

How do the core commitments of sociology lead to social change?

People with the ______ have the most influence over what a society believes to be a social problem.

By following the steps of the social science research process, researchers can protect against ______.

The second obligation or core commitment that comes from gaining a sociological perspective is to learn to recognize social patterns.

The Industrial Revolution led to a dramatic transformation in global economies.

If a social movement successfully garnered public support for their cause, then this suggests that the ______.

If you recognize that people often live in poverty due to societal factors outside of an individuals' control, then you have learned to apply your sociological imagination.

What did Jane Addams do with the research she conducted?

The American Revolution, and the dramatic social changes that followed, inspired intellectuals like August Comte to develop the science of sociology.

Juanita is troubled by the rising number of shootings in her community. She lacks money and power, but desperately wants to make a lasting structural difference. If she is to be successful, what is the next thing she should do?

Social problems usually reflect the greatest threats to society.

One factor that explains why some social conditions harm many people, yet are not considered to be social problems, is that they do not impact higher-status individuals in society.

Inaccurate media portrayals of the threat of quicksand led to widespread irrational fear among members of American society. Provide another example of irrational social panic masquerading as a social problem.

Dwayne plans on becoming a social scientist after graduating from a PhD program. As a black man, he recognizes that his academic choices would not have been available to him if he had been born in his great-grandparents' generation. What sociological skill is he using when he draws this conclusion?

What innovative approach did Jane Addams utilize in applying the science of sociology?