Sociology 106 Section 1 Spring 2004

Review Sheet Exam 1

Chapter 1

 What is the main premise of the sociological perspective?  Understand and be able to apply C. Wright Mills' concept of the sociological imagination.  Be familiar with the various "ways of knowing" and know how science differs from common sense.  Know the origins of sociology in Europe and North America.  What is the difference between pure and applied sociology?  Compare the main focus, characteristics, examples, and applications of the symbolic interaction, functional, and conflict perspectives.  Know the steps (and their order) in the research model.  What is the difference between validity and reliability?  Be able to define and identify examples of the terms: population, sample, and random sample.  Define independent and dependent variables.  What is the relationship between theory and research?  Can social scientists be entirely value free? How do sociologists maximize objectivity in their research?

Chapter 2

 What are the characteristics or components of culture?  Understand the sociological principles of culture. (Why is it important?)  Define and compare the concepts of ethnocentrism and cultural relativism.  Be able to identify examples of material and nonmaterial (symbolic) culture.  Know the functions of, and problems associated with, gestures.  What is the sociological significance of language?  Explain the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis.  Be able to define and identify examples of the terms: norms, folkways, mores.  Distinguish between the dominant culture, subcultures, and countercultures.  Know the core American values and be able to define and identify examples of value clusters and value contradictions. Do core values change?  What is the relationship between value contradictions and social change?  Know the difference between, and examples of, real and ideal culture.  Define the term culture lag, and understand its relationship to cultural change.  Define the terms cultural diffusion and cultural leveling. Know how they differ and how they are related.

1 Chapter 3

 Be able to define the term socialization and explain its significance in human development.  What are the elements of the concept of the looking glass self (Cooley)?  Understand the concept of role taking (Mead) and its stages, including the difference between significant others and the generalized other.  Know the stages of cognitive development (Piaget) and be able to identify examples of each.  What are the elements of personality described by Freud and how do they affect personality development?  What is meant by the phrase "socialization into emotions"?  How do parents and the mass media influence gender socialization?  Know the agents of socialization and be able to identify examples and consequences of each.  Define resocialization and know characteristics and consequences of life in total institutions.  Understand the characteristics of each of the stages in the life course and how/why they have changed over time.  What is the relationship between socialization and free will?

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