Question 1

Which of the following best distinguishes a social group from a social aggregate?

Accepted Answer

A social group consists of people who regularly interact and share a common identity, while a social aggregate consists of people in the same place at the same time but do not necessarily interact.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of a secondary group?

Accepted Answer

A university class working together on a project.

Question 3

What is the primary function of a reference group?

Accepted Answer

To set a standard for guiding our own behavior and attitudes.

Question 4

Which factor does NOT typically affect how likely someone is to have an advantageous social network?

Accepted Answer

Favorite hobby

Question 5

In a group of 6 members, how many two-person relationships exist? Use the formula $$n(n-1)/2$$ where $$n is $$the number of members.

Accepted Answer

$$15$$

Question 6

Which leadership style is characterized by the leader making decisions on their own and telling other group members what to do?

Accepted Answer

Authoritarian leadership

Question 7

According to experimental evidence, what is a major reason people conform in groups, as shown in Solomon Asch's line length experiment?

Accepted Answer

They want to avoid appearing different from other group members.

Question 8

Which of the following is a disadvantage of consensus-based decision making in small groups?

Accepted Answer

The group may struggle to make quick and efficient decisions.

Question 9

What is 'groupthink' and why can it be problematic?

Accepted Answer

It is the tendency of group members to remain silent and go along with the group, which can lead to poor decisions due to lack of critical evaluation.

Question 10

Which type of formal organization do people join to pursue their moral goals and commitments?

Accepted Answer

Normative organizations

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a key aspect of bureaucracies?

Accepted Answer

Emotional decision-making

Question 12

What is 'bureaucratic ritualism'?

Accepted Answer

A greater devotion to rules and regulations than to organizational goals.

Question 13

According to Michels's Iron Law of Oligarchy, what tends to happen in large organizations?

Accepted Answer

They inevitably develop an oligarchy, or rule by a few people.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

A prison

Question 15

How do groups and organizations play a role in social change?

Accepted Answer

They can be vehicles for social reform and change, as well as for maintaining the status quo.

Question 16

What is the main purpose of whistle-blowing in organizations?

Accepted Answer

To reveal organizational practices believed to be illegal and/or immoral.

Question 17

Which leadership style is most likely to result in high group member satisfaction with decisions?

Accepted Answer

Democratic leadership

Question 18

Which of the following is a disadvantage of bureaucracy?

Accepted Answer

Impersonality and alienation

Question 19

What is a dyad in the context of group dynamics?

Accepted Answer

A two-person group that is emotionally intense but unstable.

Question 20

Which experimental evidence showed that people are willing to obey authority even if it means inflicting harm on others?

Accepted Answer

Stanley Milgram's electric shock experiment

Groups and Organizations: Key Concepts in Sociology

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