Comprehensive Examination in Social Psychology

Department of Sociology

Sample Exam Questions:

1. Sociological social psychology includes the study of social movements at the macro and micro levels. Comparative studies have analyzed social movement origins, mobilization, recruitment of members, establishment of leadership, definition of goals, choice of tactics, and problems of continuity and effectiveness. Summarize what we know about how these topics, and explain what social factors determine whether they succeed or fail in achieving their goals. Use one or more particular social movements (e.g. women’s liberation, gay rights) to illustrate your points.

2. One of the innovative directions of social psychology in recent decades has been the study of social variables in human emotions. What distinguishes the sociological study of emotions from psychological research? What assumptions does sociological social psychology make about emotions, society, and the causal connections between society and emotion? Compare two different theoretical approaches used by sociological social psychologists in their studies of emotions in social group and society.

3. An established domain of sociological social psychology has been the analysis of social roles within social organization and the relationship of roles to the individual person. What different theoretical directions have been followed in the study of social roles? What are the main concepts used in describing the dimensions or properties of roles? What is a major sociological contribution or insight provided by role theory? And what are the primary criticisms that have been aimed against this sociological subfield?

4. Two theories which seem to dominate much of the research with the group processes area of social psychology are exchange theory and expectation states theory. Compare and contrast these two theories in terms of their basic assumptions/scope conditions and fundamental concepts. Finally, argue whether you believe these theories share many commonalities or are fundamentally different.

5. Helping behavior and altruism are two related topics that have been studied from various perspectives. What do these concepts mean? What are the social conditions that either promote or deter helping and altruism? Be sure to take into account characteristics of the helped person and the helping person, as well as the larger social setting.

6. Several social-psychology theorists have dealt with the question of how/whether and when personal needs come to be synchronized with those of a collectivity. With this in mind, answer all parts of any two of these questions.

7. Consider Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. a). According to Maslow, what are the essential personal needs? b). According to Maslow, how do personal impulses become transformed into socially useful goals? c). Describe a realistic social situation that you believe supports Maslow’s “hierarchy of needs” approach, clearly explaining the key factors. d). Describe a realistic social situation that you believe contradicts what we would predict from Maslow’s “hierarchy of needs” approach, clearly identifying an aspect of social-psychology this approach may not take into account.

8. Consider the concept of diffusion of social responsibility. a). Explain what is meant by “diffusion of social responsibility.” b). How can “diffusion of social responsibility” be functional for society? dysfunctional? c). Describe a realistic social situation that you believe supports “diffusion of social responsibility,” clearly explaining the key factors. d), Describe a realistic social situation that you believe what we would predict from the “social diffusion of responsibility” approach; clearly identifying an aspect of social-psychology this approach may not take into account

9. Consider the approach taken by symbolic interactionist theory. a). Explain what is meant by “symbolic interactionist theory.” b). How can “symbolic interaction” be functional for society? dysfunctional? c). Describe a realistic social situation that you believe ‘ interactionist theory,” clearly explaining the key factors. d). Describe a realistic social situation that you believe QQJ what we would predict from the “symbolic interactionist” theory approach; dearly identifying an aspect of social-psychology this approach may not take into account.

10. Consider the concept of groupthink. a). Explain what is meant by “groupthink.” b). How can “groupthink” be functional for society? dysfunctional? c). Describe a realistic social situation that you believe supports M clearly explaining the key factors. d). Describe a realistic social situation that you believe contradicts what we would predict from the “groupthink” approach; clearly identifying an aspect of social-psychology this approach may not take into account.