Myths And Realities Of Aging Trivia Questions! Quiz

1. Social Scientists construct theories as a way to explain or make sense of behaviour.

True

False

The principal role of theory is to provide a set of lenses through which we can view and make sense of what we observe in research. The principal use of theory is to build knowledge and understanding (Bengston and Schaie, 1999:5)

Explanation

The principal role of theory is to provide a set of lenses through which we can view and make sense of what we observe in research. The principal use of theory is to build knowledge and understanding (Bengston and Schaie, 1999:5)

2. According to the Disengagement Theory, normal aging leads to the natural withdrawal of daily tasks and functions.

True

False

Aging is an inevitable mutual withdrawal or disengagement; resulting in decreased interaction between the aging person and others in the social system he belongs to. (Cumming and Henry, 1961:13)

Explanation

Aging is an inevitable mutual withdrawal or disengagement; resulting in decreased interaction between the aging person and others in the social system he belongs to. (Cumming and Henry, 1961:13)

3. Which of the following is not a Theory of Aging?

The Aged as a Subculture Theory

Critical Pedagogy Theory

Age Stratification Theory

Socio-Environment Theory

The Aged as a Subculture, Age Stratification, and Soci-Environment Theories are all Theories of Aging.

Critical pedagogy is an Educational Theory. It is a teaching approach, which attempts to help students’ question and challenge domination, and the beliefs and practices that dominate. In other words, it is a theory and practice of helping students achieve critical consciousness. (Giroux, 1997).

Explanation

The Aged as a Subculture, Age Stratification, and Soci-Environment Theories are all Theories of Aging.

Critical pedagogy is an Educational Theory. It is a teaching approach, which attempts to help students’ question and challenge domination, and the beliefs and practices that dominate. In other words, it is a theory and practice of helping students achieve critical consciousness. (Giroux, 1997).

4. From a gerontology perspective, age related theories do not deal with “aging” at all, instead with “age related issues”.

True

False

The state of theory in aging and the social sciences is made more complex by the fact that most work in the field … does not deal with aging at all, but rather with age-related issues.” (Marshall, 1998:44).
Gerontology is essentially unreflective when it comes to examining the theories produced by some of its practioners. (Katz, 1996).
There is not enough qualitative and normitative data to adequately support theories of aging. As well, the role of lay or common sense theorizing within the lives of older persons is absent form most Gerontological theory, as is the attempt to account for the aging experience through the use of narrative. (Moody 1994:xv).

Explanation

The state of theory in aging and the social sciences is made more complex by the fact that most work in the field … does not deal with aging at all, but rather with age-related issues.” (Marshall, 1998:44).
Gerontology is essentially unreflective when it comes to examining the theories produced by some of its practioners. (Katz, 1996).
There is not enough qualitative and normitative data to adequately support theories of aging. As well, the role of lay or common sense theorizing within the lives of older persons is absent form most Gerontological theory, as is the attempt to account for the aging experience through the use of narrative. (Moody 1994:xv).

5. There is no such thing as old age. We all contribute to a social construction of it, via our attitudes, actions, thoughts about people; via our expectations about how people of a certain age should act.

True

False

The statement suggests that old age is not an inherent characteristic but rather a social construct influenced by our attitudes, actions, and expectations towards people of a certain age. This implies that our perception and treatment of older individuals can shape their experiences and behavior. Therefore, the answer "True" aligns with the idea that old age is a social construct rather than a fixed biological concept.

Explanation

The statement suggests that old age is not an inherent characteristic but rather a social construct influenced by our attitudes, actions, and expectations towards people of a certain age. This implies that our perception and treatment of older individuals can shape their experiences and behavior. Therefore, the answer "True" aligns with the idea that old age is a social construct rather than a fixed biological concept.

6. The Theory that relies on the work of Karl Marx dealing with inequalities, change, power struggles, and disharmony is:

Social Exchange Theory

Modernization Theory

Continuity Theory

Conflict Theory

In sociology and biology, conflict theory states that the society or organization functions so that each individual participant and its groups struggle to maximize their benefits, which inevitably contributes to social change such as changes in politics and revolutions. (Biddle, 1986).

Explanation

In sociology and biology, conflict theory states that the society or organization functions so that each individual participant and its groups struggle to maximize their benefits, which inevitably contributes to social change such as changes in politics and revolutions. (Biddle, 1986).

7. Realities of a Gerontologist vs. Realities of an Older Person
Realities of Geronotologists' include:

They are Common-Sense 'knowers'They have old age through experienceThey are Research SubjectsThey are Non-professionals

They are Professional 'knowers'They have old age through observationThey are ResearchersThey are Professionals

They are Common-Sense 'knowers'They have old age through experienceThey are ResearchersThey are Professionals

They are Professional 'knowers'They have old age through observationThey are Research SubjectsThey are Non-professionals

The correct answer is "They are Professional 'knowers', They have old age through observation, They are Researchers, They are Professionals." This answer accurately reflects the realities of a gerontologist. Gerontologists are professionals who have knowledge and expertise in the field of aging. They acquire knowledge through observation and research, rather than personal experience. They are professionals who study and research various aspects of aging.

Explanation

The correct answer is "They are Professional 'knowers', They have old age through observation, They are Researchers, They are Professionals." This answer accurately reflects the realities of a gerontologist. Gerontologists are professionals who have knowledge and expertise in the field of aging. They acquire knowledge through observation and research, rather than personal experience. They are professionals who study and research various aspects of aging.