Exam 1: Introduction to Sociology

Discuss Durkheim's study of suicide. What were the four types of suicide that he outlined? What were his major findings? How are these findings relevant in Canada today?

Which of the following trends is a leading cause of postindustrialism?

Describe and explain what C. Wright Mills meant when he said you need a quality of mind that can see the connection between history, biography, and society. Give a concrete example to illustrate your explanation.

Science is less a method of inquiry than it is a collection of ideas.

Why would a sociological theory be referred to as tentative?

Which of the following best describes how Robert Merton would characterize the issue of bullying in schools?

Which of the following concepts is central to a functionalist approach?

Andrew is one of many successful businessmen who use cocaine on a regular basis to help deal with the stress associated with their jobs. Which of the following would best help us to understand this issue?

Which of the following statements reflects a Marxist perspective on capitalists?

Which of the following would have been an activity carried out by Harriet Martineau, the first female sociologist?

The Democratic Revolution encouraged the view that sound conclusions about how society works should be based on evidence, not speculation.

Which of the following terms describes sociological ideas that are used to explain social behaviour?

William is part of the school marching band. Other students make fun of the band for wearing uniforms and marching around the football field. However, William and his band friends offer each other support on and off the field. What would Durkheim call this kind of support?

Bill can't get a job, even though he has a strong résumé. He is unemployed because of the recession and not because he is lazy or unskilled. C. Wright Mills would say this explanation was made by a person who possesses which theoretical understanding?

A group of sociologists is studying suicide by examining the rates of death by suicide across whole populations. What kind of analysis are they conducting?

Which of the following theorists hypothesized that suicide rates would be higher among the unmarried?