Social Sciences Flashcards

Which sociological perspective views society as a system of interrelated parts that work together to maintain stability?

Answer: Functionalism

Functionalism, associated with Émile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons, sees society as a stable system where each part contributes to the whole.

The concept of 'cultural lag' refers to:

Answer: The gap between technological change and cultural adaptation

Sociologist William F. Ogburn coined 'cultural lag' to describe the period when non-material culture struggles to keep pace with material/technological changes.

In economics, the term 'opportunity cost' refers to:

Answer: The value of the next best alternative foregone

Opportunity cost is the value of the best alternative sacrificed when making a choice, a foundational concept in economic decision-making.

Which branch of the U.S. government has the power to declare laws unconstitutional?

Answer: The Judicial Branch

The Judicial Branch, particularly the Supreme Court, exercises judicial review to determine the constitutionality of laws, established in Marbury v. Madison (1803).

Which psychological concept describes the tendency to favor information that confirms one's preexisting beliefs?

Answer: Confirmation bias

Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, and recall information in a way that confirms one's pre-existing beliefs.

The demographic transition model predicts that as countries industrialize, their population growth rates will:

Answer: First increase then stabilize or decline

The demographic transition model shows that death rates fall first (causing population growth), followed eventually by falling birth rates, stabilizing population.

In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which level must be satisfied before 'esteem needs' can be addressed?

Answer: Love and belonging needs

Maslow's hierarchy places love and belonging (social needs) directly below esteem needs, meaning social connection must be met before esteem can be pursued.