Question 1

Which of the following best describes a primary group?

Accepted Answer

A small, intimate group such as family or close friends that plays a key role in the development of the self.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of goal displacement in a bureaucracy?

Accepted Answer

An organization that continues to exist by adopting new goals after its original purpose has been fulfilled.

Question 3

According to the study materials, what is the main difference between an aggregate and a social group?

Accepted Answer

Aggregates are people who happen to be in the same place at the same time, while social groups interact and share a sense of belonging.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of bureaucracies as described by Max Weber?

Accepted Answer

Assignments flowing upward and accountability flowing downward

Question 5

What is the 'hidden' corporate culture most closely associated with?

Accepted Answer

Self-fulfilling stereotypes that influence promotions and workplace interactions

Question 6

Which experiment demonstrated the power of peer pressure in group settings?

Accepted Answer

The Asch experiment

Question 7

What is the main function of reference groups?

Accepted Answer

To serve as a standard for evaluating our own attitudes and behaviors

Question 8

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'six degrees of separation'?

Accepted Answer

The idea that everyone in the world is connected by a short chain of acquaintances

Question 9

Which of the following is a dysfunction of bureaucracies?

Accepted Answer

Red tape that slows down decision-making

Question 10

What is the Peter Principle?

Accepted Answer

The tendency for people to be promoted to their level of incompetence in a bureaucracy

Question 11

Which leadership style is most likely to encourage group participation and consensus?

Accepted Answer

Democratic

Question 12

How does group size affect intimacy and stability?

Accepted Answer

As group size increases, intimacy decreases and stability increases.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of an in-group?

Accepted Answer

A group to which you feel loyalty and belonging

Question 14

What did Stanley Milgram's experiment reveal about authority?

Accepted Answer

People will often obey authority figures even if it means harming others.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes groupthink?

Accepted Answer

A collective tunnel vision that discourages dissent and critical thinking

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-world example of bureaucratic alienation?

Accepted Answer

An employee feels like just another number and is disconnected from the outcome of their work.

Question 17

Which of the following is a likely effect of increased workplace diversity?

Accepted Answer

A greater need for diversity training and awareness

Question 18

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of a secondary group?

Accepted Answer

A group of coworkers collaborating on a project

Question 19

What is the main implication of the Asch experiment for understanding group behavior?

Accepted Answer

People often conform to group pressure, even against their own judgment.

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of technological control of workers?

Accepted Answer

Managers monitoring employees' activities through computer software

Social Groups and Formal Organizations: Study Guide for Sociology Students

Study Guide - Practice Questions