Question 1

Which of the following best describes a primary group?

Accepted Answer

A small group of people who engage in intimate, face-to-face interaction over an extended period.

Question 2

According to Georg Simmel, what is the main difference between a dyad and a triad?

Accepted Answer

A triad is more stable than a dyad because the group can continue if one person drops out.

Question 3

Which leadership style is most effective when group members are highly qualified in an area of expertise?

Accepted Answer

Laissez-faire leadership

Question 4

In Solomon Asch's experiment on conformity, what percentage of subjects agreed with the group's incorrect answers?

Accepted Answer

$$ 37\% $$

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a utilitarian organization?

Accepted Answer

A university

Question 6

What is the 'iron law of oligarchy' as described by Michels?

Accepted Answer

The tendency of a bureaucracy to become increasingly dominated by a small group of people.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Max Weber's ideal type of bureaucracy?

Accepted Answer

Informal decision-making

Question 8

According to conflict theory, what is a major problem with organizations?

Accepted Answer

They benefit those at the top of the hierarchy, leading to exploitation of workers.

Question 9

Which concept describes a situation where in-group members make faulty decisions due to group pressures?

Accepted Answer

Groupthink

Question 10

A glass escalator refers to:

Accepted Answer

The tendency for men in female-dominated occupations to receive higher wages and faster promotions.

Question 11

Which of the following is a major disadvantage of bureaucracies?

Accepted Answer

They are expensive due to specialized personnel.

Question 12

Which sociological perspective focuses on micro-level behavior and emphasizes how individuals define and shape their situations?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT one of the five major social institutions worldwide?

Accepted Answer

Sports

Question 14

What is the main purpose of a normative organization?

Accepted Answer

To pursue goals considered personally worthwhile or rewarding.

Question 15

Which of the following best illustrates goal displacement in a bureaucracy?

Accepted Answer

Employees focus on following rules rather than achieving organizational objectives.

Question 16

In the Stanford Prison Experiment, what was the main finding regarding group conformity?

Accepted Answer

People exercise authority or submit to authority if there is group pressure to conform.

Question 17

Which of the following is a common dysfunction of bureaucracies?

Accepted Answer

Alienation due to rigid rules and regulations

Question 18

Which of the following statements about reference groups is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Reference groups influence our behavior, values, and attitudes.

Question 19

Which equation best represents the percentage of non-confederate subjects who conformed in Asch's experiment?

Accepted Answer

$$ \frac{37}{100} $$

Question 20

If a group has 8 members and breaks down into dyads and triads, how many possible dyads can be formed?

Accepted Answer

$$ \binom{8}{2} = 28 $$

Groups, Organizations, and Institutions: Key Concepts in Sociology

Study Guide - Practice Questions