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 communication model proposes that communication is a circular process involving encoding, decoding, and feedback?
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Shannon-Weaver Model
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Linear Model of Communication
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Transactional Model of Communication
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Lasswell's Model of Communication
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The Transactional Model of Communication views communication as a dynamic, ongoing process involving the exchange of messages between individuals, with each individual encoding and decoding messages and providing feedback.
Which communication theory focuses on the effects of mass media on individuals and society?
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Uses and Gratifications Theory
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Agenda-Setting Theory
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Cultivation Theory
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Spiral of Silence Theory
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Cultivation Theory suggests that long-term exposure to mass media can shape individuals' perceptions of reality and social norms.
Which communication theory proposes that individuals selectively expose themselves to information that reinforces their existing beliefs and attitudes?
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Selective Exposure Theory
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Selective Perception Theory
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Selective Retention Theory
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Selective Interpretation Theory
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Selective Exposure Theory states that individuals tend to seek out information that is consistent with their existing beliefs and attitudes, while avoiding information that challenges them.
Which communication theory emphasizes the importance of nonverbal communication in interpersonal interactions?
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Proxemics
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Kinesics
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Haptics
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Chronemics
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Kinesics is the study of body movement and gestures in communication, and it plays a significant role in conveying emotions, attitudes, and intentions in interpersonal interactions.
Which communication theory suggests that individuals communicate to manage their own and others' impressions?
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Impression Management Theory
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Social Identity Theory
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Self-Presentation Theory
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Face-Saving Theory
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Impression Management Theory proposes that individuals strategically control their communication to create a desired impression on others.
Which communication theory emphasizes the importance of shared meaning and understanding in communication?
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Speech Act Theory
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Conversational Analysis
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Ethnomethodology
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Discourse Analysis
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Speech Act Theory examines how language is used to perform actions and convey intentions, and how shared understanding is achieved through communication.
Which communication theory focuses on the role of technology in shaping communication?
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Technological Determinism
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Social Construction of Technology
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Media Ecology Theory
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Communication Technology Theory
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The Social Construction of Technology theory emphasizes that technologies are shaped by social and cultural factors, and that they in turn shape communication and society.
Which communication theory examines the role of culture in shaping communication?
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Intercultural Communication Theory
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Cultural Studies Theory
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Anthropology of Communication
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Sociology of Communication
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Intercultural Communication Theory explores how cultural differences influence communication and how individuals from different cultures can communicate effectively with each other.
Which communication theory emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in communication?
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Person-Centered Communication
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Nonviolent Communication
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Active Listening
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Reflective Listening
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Person-Centered Communication focuses on creating a supportive and understanding environment for communication, where individuals can express themselves authentically and be heard.
Which communication theory examines the role of emotions in communication?
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Emotion Regulation Theory
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Emotional Intelligence Theory
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Affect Theory
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Sentiment Analysis Theory
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Emotion Regulation Theory explores how individuals manage and express their emotions in communication, and how emotions influence communication outcomes.
Which social change theory emphasizes the role of individual agency and choice in driving social change?
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Rational Choice Theory
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Social Identity Theory
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Social Exchange Theory
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Symbolic Interactionism
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Rational choice theory emphasizes the role of individual agency and choice in driving social change, arguing that individuals make rational choices based on their own self-interest.
What is the process by which people organize and interpret information about the social world?
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Social cognition
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Social perception
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Social judgment
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Social cognition encompasses all of the mental processes involved in understanding and interacting with the social world, including social perception, social judgment, and social behavior.
How do schemas influence our social cognition?
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They help us to organize and interpret information about the social world.
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They lead us to make errors in judgment.
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They make us more likely to conform to social norms.
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All of the above
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Schemas are mental structures that help us to organize and interpret information about the social world. They allow us to make sense of our experiences and to predict how others will behave.
How does individualism and collectivism influence social cognition?
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Individualism leads people to focus on their own goals and achievements, while collectivism leads people to focus on the goals and achievements of the group.
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Individualism leads people to be more competitive, while collectivism leads people to be more cooperative.
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Individualism leads people to be more self-reliant, while collectivism leads people to be more dependent on others.
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Individualism and collectivism influence social cognition in a number of ways. Individualism leads people to focus on their own goals and achievements, while collectivism leads people to focus on the goals and achievements of the group. Individualism also leads people to be more competitive, while collectivism leads people to be more cooperative. Finally, individualism leads people to be more self-reliant, while collectivism leads people to be more dependent on others.
Which organizational theory emphasizes the importance of organizational culture and shared values?
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Scientific Management
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Bureaucracy
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Human Relations
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Culture Theory
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Culture Theory, associated with Edgar Schein, emphasizes the importance of organizational culture, shared values, and symbols in shaping organizational behavior and decision-making.