Test Questionnaires for Social Science Theories

and their Implications to Education

1. According to functionalism theory, what is the purpose of schooling?

a. To promote assimilation and ensure public civility
b. To create conflict and competition between groups
c. To compensate for lack of time and parental advice from home
d. To maintain power structures and create docile workforce

2. According to conflict theory, what is the purpose of education?

a. To create conflict and competition between groups
b. To maintain social inequality and preserve the power of those who dominate
society
c. To promote assimilation and ensure public civility
d. To compensate for the lack of time and parental advice from home

3. What is the main focus of the symbolic interactionalist theory perspective?

a. The consideration of symbols and details of everyday life, and how people interact
with each other
b. The compensation for lack of time and parental advice from home
c. The promotion of assimilation and public civility
d. The creation of conflict and competition between groups

4. Education is not truly a social benefit or opportunity as seen by the functionalists, why do
you think conflict theorists ended up saying this?

a. They claimed that education was a hidden curriculum which socializes the young
people into obedience and conformity for them to be developed as docile workers.
b. They assumed that education does not take an active role in young people’s social
environment, even when there was such change that could benefit them.
c. They argued that education only maintains power structures and creating a docile
workforce for capitalism.
d. They asserted that education is the very principles dear to the democratic way of
life.

5. What is an application of the functionalist theory?

a. Differences in meaning of symbols for both sender and receiver result in
misunderstanding.
b. A new society comes as a result of the resolution of the clash between the powers
that be and the workers.
c. Schools must do their part to socialize children or else children will turn out to be
delinquent citizens.
d. Meanings that individuals give to symbols change over time.

6. Individuals acted based on meaning. This meaning is based on experiences. Meanings

change. Give two implications of these symbolic interactionalist thoughts to education.
a. Schools need to recognize that meanings change over time and should adapt their
teaching methods to accommodate evolving interpretations.
b. Schools must promote a sense of social and moral values to serve as a site for the
resolution of social issues.
 c. Schools should focus on preparing students for later work and training the labor
force needed in society.
d. Schools should educate future citizens to promote assimilation and ensure public
civility and conformity to laws.

7. In a country experiencing rapid technological advancement, what would a Structural

Functionalist argue is the function of education?
a. To teach students how to challenge societal norms
b. To equip students with the skills needed for economic productivity and social
stability
c. To create inequality and social divisions
d. To encourage individualism and personal growth

8. In a society where the gap between the wealthy and the poor is widening, Conflict Theory
would suggest that this inequality is:
a. A natural and inevitable outcome of the market economy
b. A necessary component for societal growth
c. The result of the wealthy controlling the resources and perpetuating their power
d. A sign of social harmony and equilibrium

9. Kay and Michael uses "loml" and emojis in their text messages. A symbolic interactionist
would focus on:
a. The breakdown of formal communication.
b. The functional role of these symbols in expressing emotions.
c. The shared meanings and interpretations of these symbols.
d. The power dynamics revealed by who uses which symbols.

10. How do symbolic interactionists view the role of symbols in society?

a. Symbols are irrelevant to social interactions.
b. Symbols are crucial in creating and maintaining social reality.
c. Symbols are imposed by powerful groups.
d. Symbols only have economic functions.

11. A student from a lower socioeconomic background faces difficulties accessing higher
education, while wealthier students have more opportunities. How would Conflict Theory
explain this inequality?
a. It is the result of equal opportunities and personal responsibility
b. It is a natural and unavoidable consequence of social hierarchy
c. It is a form of systemic inequality perpetuated by the upper class
d. It reflects the social contract and balance in society

12. How would a structural-functionalist explain the persistence of poverty in society?

a. As a result of individual laziness.
b. As a necessary function for maintaining social order.
c. As a consequence of economic exploitation.
d. As a product of social interaction and labeling.

13. In a highly industrialized society, workers experience low morale and high turnover.
According to Structural-Functionalism, what is most likely causing this dysfunction?
 a. The failure of the workplace to meet employees' social needs
b. The overproduction of goods in the economy
c. The lack of competition in the workplace
d. The introduction of new technology making workers obsolete

14. In a workplace, employees follow a set of formal and informal rules. According to
Structural-Functionalism, what purpose do these rules serve?
a. To enforce hierarchy and power structures
b. To create opportunities for conflict and competition
c. To promote social stability and predictable behaviors
d. To limit creativity and innovation in the workplace

15. Protests against racial inequality occur. A conflict theorist would see this as:
a. An unnecessary disruption.
b. A threat to social harmony.
c. A negotiation of racial identities
d. A struggle for power and resources.

16. Stacey and her friends develop a unique slang. A symbolic interactionist would focus on:
a. The power dynamics between those who use and those who don't understand the
slang.
b. The breakdown of standard language.
c. The functional role of slang in communication.
d. The use of slang to create in-group identity.

17. Ahmed studies diligently to achieve good grades. A symbolic interactionist would
consider:
a. The power of the education system over the student.
b. The student's internal drive for success.
c. The student's interpretation of what good grades mean.
d. The functional role of grades in the education system.
.

18. A high school teacher is observing a classroom where students are quietly listening to the
lesson, and no disruptions are occurring. According to Structural-Functionalism, what can
be inferred?
a. The students are passive due to a lack of interest
b. The classroom environment is in a state of equilibrium and social stability
c. The students are rebelling against the school system
d. The teacher is exerting too much control over the students

19. In a community, the church plays a significant role in maintaining social order, providing
moral guidance, and offering support to families. From a Structural-Functionalist
perspective, this would be considered:
a. A conflict in the social system
b. A dysfunction
c. A latent function
d. A manifest function

20. Social media influencers create online trends. A conflict theorist would analyze:
 a. The way that influencers manipulate consumer behavior to increase profits.
b. The shared meanings of these trends.
c. The way that trends help social media platforms function.
d. The positive contributions of influencers to society.

21. Danika adopts a rebellious style of dress and behavior to fit in with her peer group. From
a Symbolic Interactionist perspective, this is an example of:
a. A response to societal norms.
b. A demonstration of the teenager’s individual identity formation.
c. The creation of new symbols and meanings within the peer group.
d. A rejection of family traditions and social values.

22. Two colleagues engage in a conversation about a recent promotion in the workplace.
Based on Symbolic Interactionism, how might they interpret the meaning of the
promotion?
a. As a result of structural inequalities in the workplace
b. As a shared social experience shaped by their individual perceptions and
interactions
c. As a product of conflict and class struggle
d). As an outcome of functional needs within the company

23. According to structural-functionalism, the family unit is important because it...

a. Challenges existing social norms.
b. Creates competition among individuals.
c. Promotes economic inequality.
d. Socializes children and maintains social order.

24. In a society where laws disproportionately affect marginalized communities, a Conflict

Theorist would argue that:
a. The laws are necessary to maintain social order
b. The laws reflect a shared societal consensus
c. The laws serve to promote equality and fairness
d. The laws are designed to protect the interests of the powerful

25. Religion, from a structural-functional perspective, serves to...

a. Cause social conflict.
b. Promote social solidarity and shared values.
c. Encourage social change and rebellion.
d. Reduce the influence of government.