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 NOT a characteristic of bureaucracies as described by Max Weber?

Accepted Answer

Assignments flowing upward and accountability flowing downward

Question 3

The phenomenon where a bureaucracy continues to exist by adopting new goals after its original purpose has been fulfilled is known as:

Accepted Answer

Goal displacement

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Solomon Asch's line judgment experiment

Question 5

A group of people who happen to be in the same place at the same time, such as people waiting at a bus stop, is best described as:

Accepted Answer

An aggregate

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

A family used as a standard to evaluate one’s own behavior

Question 7

According to the study materials, what is a major dysfunction of bureaucracies?

Accepted Answer

They can create alienation and depersonalization among workers

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Democratic

Question 9

What is the main difference between in-groups and out-groups?

Accepted Answer

In-groups are groups to which we feel loyalty, while out-groups are those toward which we feel antagonism

Question 10

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 11

Which of the following is a likely effect of increasing group size?

Accepted Answer

Diffusion of responsibility

Question 12

The 'Peter Principle' refers to which bureaucratic dysfunction?

Accepted Answer

Workers are promoted to their level of incompetence

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of groupthink?

Accepted Answer

A group ignores dissenting opinions and makes a poor decision due to collective tunnel vision

Question 14

Which of the following best describes an instrumental leader?

Accepted Answer

A leader who keeps the group moving toward its goals

Question 15

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates bureaucratic red tape?

Accepted Answer

A person cannot get a permit because the required form must be signed by an official who is on vacation

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-world example of goal displacement?

Accepted Answer

The March of Dimes shifting its mission from fighting polio to promoting healthy babies after polio was cured

Question 17

Which of the following is a likely consequence of the technological control of workers?

Accepted Answer

Bosses can monitor millions of workers more efficiently

Question 18

In the context of group dynamics, what is a coalition?

Accepted Answer

A subgroup formed when a triad splits into two against one

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the 'hidden' corporate culture?

Accepted Answer

The informal norms and self-fulfilling stereotypes that influence promotions and workplace interactions

Question 20

Which of the following is a function of a primary group according to symbolic interactionists?

Accepted Answer

To serve as a buffer from the larger society and help develop the self

Social Groups and Formal Organizations: Key Concepts and Dynamics

Study Guide - Practice Questions