Theories of Social Change: Online Learning Quizzes for Sociology Students

Question 1

According to modernization theory, which factor is considered the primary driver of social change in less developed societies?

Accepted Answer

Spread of advanced technology and ideas

Answer

Influence of core countries

Answer

Internal contradictions within society

Question 2

World-systems theory suggests that a country's position in the global economy is primarily determined by:

Accepted Answer

Historical factors and power relations

Answer

Level of economic development

Answer

Availability of natural resources

Question 3

According to conflict theory, which of the following is a key source of social change?

Accepted Answer

Power struggles between different social groups

Answer

Technological advancements

Answer

Evolutionary processes

Question 4

Dependency theory argues that the economic underdevelopment of peripheral countries is primarily caused by:

Accepted Answer

Exploitation by core countries

Answer

Internal political instability

Answer

Low levels of education

Question 5

According to dependency theory, which of the following is a strategy for underdeveloped countries to achieve economic development?

Accepted Answer

Promoting self-reliance and reducing dependence on core countries

Answer

Adopting export-oriented policies

Answer

Increasing foreign investment

Question 6

Which sociological theory emphasizes the significance of technological advancements and economic growth in driving social change?

Accepted Answer

Modernization theory

Answer

Dependency theory

Answer

World-systems theory

Question 7

Which theory posits that the economic dependence of developing countries on developed countries is the primary driver of social change in the former?

Accepted Answer

Dependency theory

Answer

Modernization theory

Answer

World-systems theory

Question 8

In world-systems theory, the concept that describes the hierarchical division of the global economy into core, semi-periphery, and periphery countries is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Systemic hierarchy

Answer

Geopolitics

Answer

Cultural pluralism

Question 9

According to modernization theory, which factor is considered a crucial driver of social transformation?

Accepted Answer

Industrialization

Answer

Population growth

Answer

Environmental degradation

Question 10

Which theory emphasizes the interconnectedness of global economies and the influence of multinational corporations in shaping social change?

Accepted Answer

World-systems theory

Answer

Modernization theory

Answer

Dependency theory

Question 11

In dependency theory, the concept that refers to the transfer of resources from developing countries to developed countries is:

Accepted Answer

Economic dependency

Answer

Political dependency

Answer

Cultural dependency

Question 12

According to world-systems theory, which type of country is characterized by a highly developed industrial economy and a dominant position in the global market?

Accepted Answer

Core country

Answer

Semi-periphery country

Answer

Periphery country

Question 13

Which key distinction separates modernization theory from dependency theory in their views on the origins of social change?

Accepted Answer

Modernization theory focuses on internal factors, while dependency theory emphasizes external factors.

Answer

Dependency theory prioritizes internal factors, while modernization theory emphasizes external factors.

Answer

Both theories attribute social change primarily to internal factors.

Answer

Both theories agree that external factors are the main causes of social change.

Question 14

Which theory of social change emphasizes the diffusion of Western ideas and institutions?

Accepted Answer

Modernization theory

Answer

Dependency theory

Answer

World-systems theory

Question 15

World-systems theory proposes that the global economy can be divided into three primary zones. Which of the following options correctly identifies these zones?

Accepted Answer

Core, periphery, and semi-periphery

Answer

First World, Second World, Third World

Answer

Developed, developing, and underdeveloped

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a central feature of modernization theory?

Accepted Answer

Acceptance of tradition

Answer

Belief in progress

Answer

Emphasis on individualism

Question 17

According to dependency theorists, what is perceived as the primary obstacle to development in developing countries?

Accepted Answer

Exploitation by developed nations

Answer

Lack of natural resources

Answer

Cultural backwardness

Question 18

How does modernization theory explain the mechanism of social change?

Accepted Answer

A linear and inevitable progression towards modernity

Answer

A process influenced by external forces

Answer

A consequence of internal factors within societies

Question 19

According to world-systems theory, what is considered the primary driver of economic growth in developed countries?

Accepted Answer

Technological innovation

Answer

Industrialization

Answer

Exploitation of developing countries

Question 20

Which of these theories of social change highlights the role of the government in shaping development?

Accepted Answer

Dependency theory

Answer

Modernization theory

Answer

World-systems theory

Question 21

Modernization theory suggests that societies progress through predictable stages. Which critique challenges this idea?

Accepted Answer

Societies' unique histories and cultures shape their development.

Answer

Modernization is a one-way, linear process.

Answer

Economic growth is the only factor driving social change.

Question 22

How does culture influence the direction and speed of social change? Provide specific examples to support your answer.

Accepted Answer

Culture influences the direction and pace of social change by shaping values, beliefs, and norms.

Answer

Culture has no significant impact on the direction or pace of social change.

Answer

Culture can only hinder social change.

Answer

Culture is only relevant in traditional societies, not in modern societies.

Question 23

Modernization Theory: Which theory suggests that the driving forces of social change are technological advancements and economic development?

Accepted Answer

Modernization theory

Answer

Dependency theory

Answer

World-systems theory

Question 24

World-Systems Theory: Which theory posits that the global economy is hierarchically structured, with a core of advanced capitalist countries and a periphery of less developed nations?

Accepted Answer

World-systems theory

Answer

Modernization theory

Answer

Dependency theory

Question 25

Modernization Theory Assumptions: Which of the following is a fundamental assumption of modernization theory?

Accepted Answer

Societies inevitably progress through a series of developmental stages.

Answer

Traditional societies are inherently superior to modern societies.

Answer

Social progress is primarily driven by cultural factors.

Question 26

Dependency Theory: Mechanisms of Exploitation: Which of the following is identified as a mechanism of exploitation in dependency theory?

Accepted Answer

Unequal trade relationships

Answer

Provision of foreign aid

Answer

Diplomatic negotiations

Question 27

World-Economy in World-Systems Theory: Which of the following is a defining characteristic of the world-economy in world-systems theory?

Accepted Answer

Unequal distribution of resources and wealth between core and periphery regions.

Answer

Balanced trade flows between core and periphery regions.

Answer

Minimal influence of multinational corporations.

Question 28

Critique of Modernization Theory: Which criticism highlights a limitation of modernization theory?

Accepted Answer

It assumes a linear and inevitable path of progress.

Answer

It overemphasizes the role of technology in social change.

Answer

It ignores the impact of environmental factors on social development.

Question 29

Dependency Theory: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: According to dependency theory, what is viewed as essential for developing countries to break free from poverty?

Accepted Answer

Overhauling political and economic structures

Answer

Implementing free market policies

Answer

Increasing reliance on foreign investment

Question 30

World-Systems Theory: Key Assumption: Which assumption underpins world-systems theory?

Accepted Answer

The global economy operates as an autonomous system.

Answer

National economies are independent and self-sufficient.

Answer

Capitalism is inherently an egalitarian economic system.

Question 31

Limitations of Sociological Theories of Social Change: Which limitation is commonly associated with sociological theories of social change?

Accepted Answer

They fail to account for the influence of individual agency.

Answer

They often rely on outdated data.

Answer

They are easily verifiable through empirical research.

Question 32

How do political institutions and processes impact social change? Provide specific examples to support your answer.

Accepted Answer

Political institutions can enact laws and policies that promote equality, justice, and sustainability, driving social change.

Accepted Answer

Political processes can be used by powerful elites to maintain the status quo and hinder social change.

Answer

Social change is primarily driven by technological advancements, with political factors playing a secondary role.

Answer

Political institutions have no significant impact on social change.

Question 33

According to modernization theory, which characteristic is a defining feature of traditional societies?

Accepted Answer

Strong adherence to tradition and cultural norms

Answer

High social mobility

Answer

Emphasis on individualism and self-reliance

Answer

Complex division of labor and economic specialization

Question 34

Dependency theory contends that underdevelopment in the Global South is predominantly caused by:

Accepted Answer

Imperialism and economic exploitation

Answer

Scarcity of resources and technology

Answer

Cultural backwardness

Answer

Political instability

Question 35

In world-systems theory, which concept describes the unequal distribution of power and resources between core and peripheral nations?

Accepted Answer

Center-periphery model

Answer

Capital accumulation

Answer

Global hierarchy

Answer

World division of labor

Question 36

Who is widely recognized as the founder of modernization theory?

Accepted Answer

Talcott Parsons

Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Max Weber

Answer

Immanuel Wallerstein

Question 37

Which concept refers to the dissemination of ideas, values, and technologies across societies?

Accepted Answer

Cultural diffusion

Answer

Social change

Answer

Globalization

Answer

Acculturation

Question 38

Which theory posits that social change stems from conflict between different social groups?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Structuralism

Question 39

According to world-systems theory, what is the primary force driving capitalist expansion?

Accepted Answer

Economic competition

Answer

Technological innovation

Answer

Political imperialism

Answer

Cultural assimilation

Question 40

Which theory of social change emphasizes the influence of external factors on a society's development?

Accepted Answer

Dependency Theory

Answer

Modernization Theory

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Question 41

According to modernization theory, what is seen as the key factor driving social change?

Accepted Answer

Industrialization

Answer

Globalization

Answer

Cultural diffusion

Answer

Technological advancements

Question 42

Which criticism is NOT commonly associated with modernization theory?

Accepted Answer

Promotion of a linear view of progress

Answer

Eurocentrism

Answer

Overemphasis on economic factors

Answer

Neglect of local contexts

Question 43

Which perspective of world-systems theory categorizes the global economy into core, semi-periphery, and periphery regions?

Accepted Answer

Wallerstein's perspective

Answer

Arrighi's perspective

Answer

Chase-Dunn's perspective

Answer

Kaldor's perspective

Question 44

Which theory of social change focuses on the small-scale interactions that shape social change?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Structural functionalism

Answer

Rational choice theory

Answer

Social exchange theory

Question 45

What is a key assumption of rational choice theory?

Accepted Answer

Individuals make rational decisions based on personal gain

Answer

Social structures limit individual behavior

Answer

Change is primarily driven by collective action

Answer

Symbols and meanings significantly influence social interactions

Question 46

According to social exchange theory, what is the main motivation for social interactions?

Accepted Answer

Maximizing rewards

Answer

Acquiring power

Answer

Attaining status

Answer

Gaining social approval

Question 47

Which research method is best suited for studying the personal experiences of individuals undergoing social change?

Accepted Answer

Ethnographic research

Answer

Survey research

Answer

Experimental research

Answer

Content analysis

Question 48

Which theory of social change emphasizes that the diffusion of technology and ideas drives the development of less developed societies?

Accepted Answer

Modernization theory

Answer

World-systems theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Dependency theory

Question 49

According to dependency theory, the primary cause of economic inequality between developed and developing countries is:

Accepted Answer

Exploitation by developed countries

Answer

Political instability within developing countries

Answer

Cultural differences

Question 50

Which theory of social change focuses on the interconnectedness of economic, political, and cultural factors in shaping global development?

Accepted Answer

World-systems theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Modernization theory

Answer

Diffusion theory

Question 51

In modernization theory, social mobilization refers to:

Accepted Answer

The process of transforming traditional values and institutions to align with modern norms

Answer

The acquisition of new cultural practices from other societies

Answer

The process of moving from rural to urban areas

Answer

The feeling of powerlessness and normlessness in a rapidly changing society

Question 52

Dependency theory posits that unequal terms of trade between developed and less developed countries is:

Accepted Answer

A mechanism of exploitation

Answer

Necessary for economic growth

Answer

A result of cultural misunderstandings

Question 53

Which theory of social change argues that the structure of the global economy is the primary determinant of development outcomes worldwide?

Accepted Answer

World-systems theory

Answer

Modernization theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Diffusion theory

Question 54

A criticism of modernization theory is that:

Accepted Answer

It assumes a linear and inevitable path of development for all societies.

Answer

It places too much emphasis on the role of culture in social change.

Answer

It is only applicable to Western societies.

Question 55

Which theory of social change emphasizes the role of power struggles and conflict in shaping social transformation?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Evolutionary theory

Answer

World-systems theory

Answer

Functionalist theory

Question 56

Systems theory views social change as:

Accepted Answer

A process of increasing complexity and differentiation within a system

Answer

A process of linear progression from simple to complex societies

Answer

A process of adaptation to environmental changes

Answer

A process of conflict and resolution between different societal groups