Question 1

Compare and contrast the normative expectations and societal evaluations approach to understanding deviance.

Accepted Answer

Understanding deviance using a normative approach involves viewing deviance as either nonconformity/underconformity or overconformity to expectations. In contrast, a central tenet of societal reaction approach to understanding deviant behavior is that individual behavior will remain consistent with the reaction of others or the "label" that is attached to it. Both forms of understanding deviance allow for the possibility of both traditional and positive forms of deviance.

Question 2

According to opportunity theory, informal opportunity structures enhance individual innovation and creativity more than formal opportunity structures.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  False

Question 3

Summarize the functions of positive deviance.

Accepted Answer

Individual acts of positive deviance have individual impacts. Taken as a whole, forms of positive deviance function to encourage social change. Positive deviance ensures that social change happens in a way that improves society. When widely recognized as deviance, positive deviance provides a basis for defining other behaviors as less positive or negatively deviant. It is only when we define exceptionally positive behavior that we can define behaviors that threaten the functioning of the society as a whole and the well-being of its individual members. Finally, when positive deviance is recognized and celebrated, it encourages other people to engage in positive deviance, which in turn increases the problem-solving ability of that society.

Question 4

Which type of positive deviance is exemplified by Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Accepted Answer

A)   supraconformity
B)   charisma
C)   innovation
D)   altruism

Question 5

Identify ways in which positive deviance differs from the traditional understanding of deviance.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Identify ways in which positive deviance differs...

Question 6

When applying Thio's power theory to positive deviance, what kind of person is more likely to receive recognition for engaging in positive deviance?

Accepted Answer

A)   wealthier, higher-status individuals
B)   marginalized, lower-status individuals
C)   disenfranchised men
D)   uneducated, lower-income individuals

Question 7

Hadeel is a Nobel prizewinner. Both her parents were recipients of a MacArthur "Genius Grant," she attended Harvard University, and her mentor was a former Nobel prizewinner himself. What do all the characteristics together reflect?

Accepted Answer

A)   accumulation of advantage
B)   intersection of authority
C)   sedimentation of success
D)   affirmative progress

Question 8

Authoritarianism is a key quality of highly productive scholars.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 9

Highly productive scholars tend to believe in ______, the view that the world is orderly and that empirical events form discernible patterns.

Accepted Answer

A)   naturalism
B)   traditionalism
C)   deism
D)   anthropocentrism

Question 10

Summarize the opportunity theory approach to understanding positive deviance.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Summarize the opportunity theory approach to understanding...

Question 11

The United States in the 1960s was a time of increased social conflict. Dr. Mohammed believes that the amount of social conflict indicated a need for extensive social change; therefore, he expects to see more positive deviance. Which theory is he using?

Accepted Answer

A)   opportunity
B)   conflict
C)   societal reaction
D)   strain

Question 12

Faith is a Puritan, living in a society characterized by high levels of social integration. What would Durkheim suggest about Faith?

Accepted Answer

A)   Faith is a positive deviant.
B)   Faith is not likely to engage in innovation and creativity.
C)   Faith is likely to become a positive deviant.
D)   Faith lives in a society filled with positive deviance.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about positive deviance is true?

Accepted Answer

A)   Very few sociologists are familiar with the concept of positive deviance.
B)   Everyone agrees that positive deviance is theoretically useful.
C)   Not everyone agrees that positive deviance is possible.
D)   A small minority of sociologists contend that all deviance is positive deviance.

Question 14

Mother Theresa, widely known for her self-sacrifice in caring for the poor and sick, provides an example of the ______ category of positive deviance.

Accepted Answer

A)   supraconformity
B)   charisma
C)   innovation
D)   altruism

Question 15

Compared to their representation in the population, people with a Jewish background are underrepresented in the pool of Nobel prizewinners.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 16

Describe the seven basic values espoused by highly productive scientists and scholars.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the seven basic values espoused by...

Question 17

Research suggests that good predictors of winning a Nobel Prize are family background and being educated at an elite college or university. Which theoretical perspective does this reflect?

Accepted Answer

A)   strain theory
B)   opportunity theory
C)   social integration theory
D)   power control theory

Question 18

When a society is characterized by high levels of social integration, innovation and creativity are more common.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 19

Compared to their representation in the population, Catholics are overrepresented in the pool of Nobel prizewinners.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 20

Which statement accurately compares Jewish and Catholic Nobel Prize recipients?

Accepted Answer

A)   Among Nobel prizewinners, Jewish people are overrepresented and Catholic people are underrepresented.
B)   Among Nobel prizewinners, Catholic people are overrepresented and Jewish people are underrepresented.
C)   There are relatively few Catholic and Jewish Nobel prizewinners.
D)   The majority of Nobel prizewinners are either Jewish or Catholic.

Exam 14: Positive Deviance

Compare and contrast the normative expectations and societal evaluations approach to understanding deviance.

According to opportunity theory, informal opportunity structures enhance individual innovation and creativity more than formal opportunity structures.

Summarize the functions of positive deviance.

Which type of positive deviance is exemplified by Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Identify ways in which positive deviance differs from the traditional understanding of deviance.

When applying Thio's power theory to positive deviance, what kind of person is more likely to receive recognition for engaging in positive deviance?

Hadeel is a Nobel prizewinner. Both her parents were recipients of a MacArthur "Genius Grant," she attended Harvard University, and her mentor was a former Nobel prizewinner himself. What do all the characteristics together reflect?

Authoritarianism is a key quality of highly productive scholars.

Highly productive scholars tend to believe in ______, the view that the world is orderly and that empirical events form discernible patterns.

Summarize the opportunity theory approach to understanding positive deviance.

The United States in the 1960s was a time of increased social conflict. Dr. Mohammed believes that the amount of social conflict indicated a need for extensive social change; therefore, he expects to see more positive deviance. Which theory is he using?

Faith is a Puritan, living in a society characterized by high levels of social integration. What would Durkheim suggest about Faith?

Which of the following statements about positive deviance is true?

Mother Theresa, widely known for her self-sacrifice in caring for the poor and sick, provides an example of the ______ category of positive deviance.

Compared to their representation in the population, people with a Jewish background are underrepresented in the pool of Nobel prizewinners.

Describe the seven basic values espoused by highly productive scientists and scholars.

Research suggests that good predictors of winning a Nobel Prize are family background and being educated at an elite college or university. Which theoretical perspective does this reflect?

When a society is characterized by high levels of social integration, innovation and creativity are more common.

Compared to their representation in the population, Catholics are overrepresented in the pool of Nobel prizewinners.

Which statement accurately compares Jewish and Catholic Nobel Prize recipients?