Question 1

Which of the following best illustrates the difference between material and nonmaterial culture in a society?

Accepted Answer

A wedding dress (material) and the belief in marriage as a lifelong commitment (nonmaterial)

Question 2

A sociologist observes that in a particular society, people value honesty but frequently lie to avoid hurting others' feelings. This discrepancy is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Ideal culture versus real culture

Question 3

Which scenario best exemplifies cultural lag?

Accepted Answer

The widespread use of smartphones before laws and social norms about privacy and etiquette are established

Question 4

According to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, which of the following statements is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Language shapes how people perceive and interpret their world

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a subculture?

Accepted Answer

A group of skateboarders who share unique slang and dress styles within a larger urban society

Question 6

A sociologist is studying how the removal of statues associated with slavery affects public attitudes and social cohesion. Which theoretical perspective is most appropriate for this analysis?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Question 7

Which of the following best describes a counterculture?

Accepted Answer

A group that actively rejects and opposes the dominant cultural norms and values

Question 8

Which of the following is a cultural universal?

Accepted Answer

The existence of family units in all societies

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of diffusion?

Accepted Answer

The spread of sushi from Japan to restaurants in the United States

Question 10

Which of the following best illustrates ethnocentrism?

Accepted Answer

A traveler from the U.S. criticizing local customs in India for not matching American standards

Question 11

Which of the following is a formal norm?

Accepted Answer

Paying taxes as required by law

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a sanction used for social control?

Accepted Answer

A student being suspended for plagiarism

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the functionalist perspective on culture?

Accepted Answer

Culture exists to meet the social and personal needs of society's members

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of a folkway?

Accepted Answer

Holding the door open for someone

Question 15

Which of the following is most likely to be considered high culture in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Attending a live symphony performance

Question 16

A sociologist is interested in how people use emojis in text messages to convey meaning. Which theoretical perspective would best guide this research?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 17

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of globalization?

Accepted Answer

International trade agreements leading to the integration of markets and cultures

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of a mores violation?

Accepted Answer

Committing plagiarism in a university setting

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the process of invention in cultural change?

Accepted Answer

Combining existing objects or concepts to create something new

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of how language can influence perception, according to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

German speakers describing keys as 'hard' and 'heavy' while Spanish speakers describe them as 'lovely' and 'tiny'

Module 2: Culture: Elements, Variations, and Sociological Perspectives

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards