Behavioral Sciences

Question 1

functionalism

Answer 1

society = an organism
each part of society works to maintain dynamic equilibrium (homeostasis)
macro
Theorists: Emile Durkheim + Talcott Parsons

Question 2

rational choice/social exchange

Answer 2

individual behaviors/interactions attempt to maximize personal gain and minimize personal cost
micro

Question 3

symbolic interactionism

Answer 3

meaning and value attached to symbols
individual interactions based on these symbols
micro
Theorists: Charles Cooley + George Mead

Question 4

social constructionism

Answer 4

social actors define what’s real
knowledge about world based on interactions
macro or micro

Question 5

conflict theory

Answer 5

society = struggle for limited resources
- inequality built on social class
macro perspective
Theorists: Karl Marx + Max Weber

Question 6

stereotype threat

Answer 6

occurs when negative stereotype exists about a social group and a member of that group is made aware of that stereotype before engaging in an activity, which causes performance to suffer

Question 7

fundamental attribution error

Answer 7

when individuals attribute their behavior of others to their inherent nature instead of environmental factors

Question 8

cognitive dissonance

Answer 8

when an individual’s thoughts and actions do not align or if an individual holds two competing attitudes