Social Science ยท General Awareness
Psychological and Sociological Theories
2,263 Questions
Psychological and sociological theories questions explore concepts like aging processes, intelligence, and human behavior. These topics are crucial for understanding cognitive development and social interactions. They often appear in civil services and state public service commission examinations testing conceptual clarity.
Aging theoriesBehavioral psychology theoriesFamily systems theoryMedia and culture theoriesPolitical behavior motivationsLanguage learning processes
Psychological and Sociological Theories Questions
Which social theory emphasizes the role of social networks and relationships in shaping individual behavior and social outcomes?
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Social Network Theory
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Social Capital Theory
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Structural Hole Theory
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Exchange Theory
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Social network theory studies the patterns of relationships between individuals and how these relationships influence individual behavior and social outcomes.
According to Social Exchange Theory, what is the primary motivation for human behavior?
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The pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain
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The desire for social approval and recognition
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The need for self-actualization and personal growth
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The maximization of individual benefits and rewards
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Social exchange theory argues that individuals engage in social interactions to maximize their own benefits and rewards.
Which social theory emphasizes the role of emotions and feelings in shaping social interactions and relationships?
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Emotional Sociology
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Affect Theory
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Social Psychology of Emotion
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Cultural Sociology of Emotion
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Emotional sociology studies the role of emotions and feelings in social life and how they shape social interactions and relationships.
What is the role of association in the Empiricist Theory of Ideas?
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To connect simple ideas into complex ideas
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To organize and interpret sensory data
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To generate innate ideas
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To store memories
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Empiricists believe that association is the process by which simple ideas are connected and combined to form complex ideas.
Which coalition theory emphasizes the role of leaders and their personal relationships in coalition formation and dynamics?
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Leadership Theory
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Rational Choice Theory
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Game Theory
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Institutional Theory
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Leadership Theory highlights the influence of individual leaders and their personal relationships in shaping coalition formation and behavior.
According to Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, which stage is characterized by the development of a sense of industry versus inferiority?
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Infancy
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Early childhood
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School age
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Adolescence
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Young adulthood
C
Correct answer
Explanation
During the school age stage, children develop a sense of industry as they learn to work and achieve.
What is the Frankfurt School's theory of the culture of narcissism?
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It is the theory that culture is becoming increasingly narcissistic
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It is the theory that culture is becoming increasingly individualistic
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It is the theory that culture is becoming increasingly materialistic
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All of the above
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Frankfurt School's theory of the culture of narcissism is the theory that culture is becoming increasingly narcissistic. It argues that capitalism is creating a culture in which people are increasingly focused on themselves and their own desires, and that this is leading to a loss of empathy and solidarity.
Which theory suggests that children develop a cognitive framework or schema for understanding gender, which influences their interpretation of gender-related information?
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Social learning theory
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Cognitive developmental theory
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Gender schema theory
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Social constructivism theory
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Gender schema theory proposes that children develop a cognitive framework or schema for understanding gender, which influences their interpretation of gender-related information.
Which theory of justification emphasizes the role of social factors and intersubjective agreement in acquiring knowledge?
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Social Epistemology
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Feminist Epistemology
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Standpoint Theory
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Virtue Epistemology
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Social Epistemology is a theory of justification that emphasizes the role of social factors and intersubjective agreement in acquiring knowledge, arguing that knowledge is not solely a product of individual reasoning but is also shaped by social interactions and cultural practices.
Which theory emphasizes the importance of context and shared meaning in communication?
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Symbolic Interactionism
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Functionalism
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Behaviorism
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Cognitive Theory
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Symbolic Interactionism highlights the role of symbols and shared meanings in shaping communication and social interactions.
The concept of 'double bind' is associated with which communication theory?
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Transactional Communication Theory
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Social Penetration Theory
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Uncertainty Reduction Theory
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Double Bind Theory
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Double Bind Theory explores paradoxical and conflicting communication patterns that can lead to psychological distress.
Which communication theory emphasizes the role of power and control in shaping communication processes?
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Critical Theory
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Functionalism
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Behaviorism
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Cognitive Theory
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Critical Theory analyzes communication as a means of maintaining or challenging power structures and social inequalities.
Which communication theory emphasizes the importance of nonverbal cues and body language in communication?
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Symbolic Interactionism
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Functionalism
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Behaviorism
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Nonverbal Communication Theory
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Nonverbal Communication Theory explores the role of nonverbal cues, such as gestures, facial expressions, and body language, in conveying messages and shaping communication interactions.