Social Science · 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 theory proposes that leader implicitly categorises the follower as an "in" or an "out".
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Cognitive Resource Theory
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LMX Theory
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Situational Leadership Theory
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Path-goal Theory
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) theory argues that leaders create an 'in-group' and an 'out-group' among their subordinates. Followers in the in-group receive higher performance ratings, less turnover, and greater job satisfaction, while those in the out-group receive less of the leader's time and attention.
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Culture
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norms
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needs
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fashion
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Culture is the most fundamental determinant of a person's wants and behavior, as it represents the set of basic values, perceptions, wants, and behaviors learned from family and other key institutions.
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following our peers
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a few simple characteristics or traits
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'picking and mixing' different ideas
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observation and imitation
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Gauntlett's 'pick and mix' theory suggests that individuals construct their identities by selecting and combining various elements from media products.
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social processes
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social composition
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social patterns
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social interactions
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Social composition refers to the demographic makeup of a society (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity), which is often an outcome of structural changes rather than the primary thing affected by them.
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Possiblism
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Environmental Determinism
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Cultural Ecology
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Physical Ecology
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Environmental determinism is the theory that the physical environment, rather than social conditions, determines human culture and behavior.
Which theory emphasizes the importance of social interaction and the construction of meaning in educational settings?
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Symbolic Interactionism
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Functionalist Theory
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Conflict Theory
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Rational Choice Theory
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Symbolic Interactionism focuses on how individuals interact with each other and construct shared meanings in educational contexts.
Which theory emphasizes the role of individual agency and rational choice in educational decision-making?
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Rational Choice Theory
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Conflict Theory
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Functionalist Theory
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Symbolic Interactionism
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Rational Choice Theory assumes that individuals make educational choices based on their own self-interest and perceived benefits.
Which theory emphasizes the importance of cultural factors and local contexts in shaping educational practices and outcomes?
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Cultural Reproduction Theory
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Conflict Theory
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Functionalist Theory
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Cultural Capital Theory
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Cultural Reproduction Theory focuses on how cultural factors and local contexts influence educational practices and outcomes, particularly in relation to social inequality.
Which theory emphasizes the role of social networks and social capital in educational attainment and success?
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Social Capital Theory
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Conflict Theory
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Functionalist Theory
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Rational Choice Theory
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Social Capital Theory posits that social networks and relationships can provide individuals with resources and advantages that facilitate educational success.
Which theory suggests that people's behavior is influenced by their physical environment?
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Behaviorism
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Social Cognitive Theory
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Environmental Determinism
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Ecological Psychology
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Environmental Determinism is the theory that suggests that people's behavior is influenced by their physical environment.
Which theory suggests that people's perception of their environment is influenced by their cultural background and values?
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Cultural Relativism
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Social Constructivism
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Environmental Determinism
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Ecological Psychology
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Cultural Relativism is the theory that suggests that people's perception of their environment is influenced by their cultural background and values.
Which theory suggests that people's behavior is influenced by their perception of the affordances of their environment?
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Affordance Theory
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Ecological Psychology
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Behaviorism
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Social Cognitive Theory
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Affordance Theory is the theory that suggests that people's behavior is influenced by their perception of the affordances of their environment.
Which theory suggests that people's behavior is influenced by their perception of the social norms of their environment?
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Social Norms Theory
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Social Cognitive Theory
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Behaviorism
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Ecological Psychology
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Social Norms Theory is the theory that suggests that people's behavior is influenced by their perception of the social norms of their environment.
Which theory suggests that individuals make decisions based on a combination of rational and emotional factors?
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Dual-Process Theory
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Expected Utility Theory
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Regret Theory
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Bounded Rationality
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Dual-Process Theory proposes that individuals make decisions through two distinct systems: a fast, intuitive, and emotional system, and a slow, deliberate, and rational system. The interplay between these two systems influences the decision-making process.
What is the primary agent of socialization for individuals?
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Family
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Peers
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School
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Media
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The family is the primary agent of socialization for individuals, as it is the first social group to which they belong and where they learn basic values, norms, and beliefs.