PRAXIS II: Sociology Exam Prep

Biological response is not related to sociology because sociology is the study of human society and social behavior, while biological response refers to the physiological reactions of an organism to stimuli. Sociology focuses on understanding social structures, institutions, and processes, such as social stratification, social class, and secularization, which are all directly related to social interactions and human behavior within a society. Biological response, on the other hand, falls under the realm of biology and the study of living organisms.

Herbert Spencer is the correct answer because he is known for his contributions to social Darwinism, which is the application of Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection to society. Spencer believed that society evolves through competition and the survival of the fittest, where those who are the most adapted to their environment will thrive and those who are less adapted will not. This idea influenced the fields of sociology and anthropology, and is often associated with the phrase "survival of the fittest."

Rationalization is not a problem of modernity because it refers to the process of applying logical and efficient thinking to various aspects of life, such as bureaucracy and organization. While industrialization, urbanization, and secularization can have negative consequences such as environmental degradation, overcrowding, and loss of traditional values, rationalization is seen as a positive aspect of modernity that promotes efficiency and progress.

Plato was the first philosopher to work on sociology. He believed that society should be organized in a just and harmonious way, and he explored the relationship between individuals and the state. Plato's work laid the foundation for the study of social interactions, institutions, and the structure of society, making him the first philosopher to contribute to the field of sociology.

The term "sociology" was coined in 1780.

Durkheim's monograph, "Suicide," was published in 1897.

Herbert Spencer is not considered a pioneer father of sociology because his work primarily focused on social Darwinism and evolutionary theory rather than the systematic study of society and social phenomena. While Marx, Durkheim, and Weber are widely recognized as key figures in the development of sociology, Spencer's ideas and contributions are not considered foundational to the discipline.

Anti-positivism is the correct answer because it suggests that sociology should not follow the same methodological principles as natural sciences. Instead, it argues that social phenomena cannot be studied using the same objective and scientific methods used in natural sciences. Anti-positivism emphasizes the importance of subjectivity, interpretation, and understanding in studying social phenomena, rather than relying solely on empirical evidence and positivist approaches. This approach recognizes the unique nature of social reality and the need for alternative methods to understand it.

Yale University was the first to teach sociology because it established the first sociology department in the United States in 1875. This department was founded by William Graham Sumner, who is often considered one of the founding fathers of American sociology. Sumner's teachings and research at Yale helped establish sociology as a legitimate academic discipline in the country.

Marxism is not part of the four theoretical traditions. The four theoretical traditions typically refer to functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, and feminist theory. While functionalism, conflict theory, and utilitarianism are mentioned in the options, Marxism is not. Marxism is a social, political, and economic theory developed by Karl Marx, which focuses on the struggle between the bourgeoisie (owners of the means of production) and the proletariat (working class). It analyzes the capitalist system and advocates for a revolution to establish a classless society.