Explanations to Discrete Practice Questions

1. A
   A manifest function is an intended positive effect on a system. A latent function is an unintended positive effect on a system, (C). A negative effect on a system, (B) and (D), is termed a dysfunction.
2. C
   Symbolic interactionism studies how individuals interact through a shared understanding of words, gestures, and other symbols. A nod is thus a symbol in many cultures that signifies “yes.”
3. D
   The principle of nonmaleficence states that physicians must not only act in their patient’s best interest (beneficence, (B)), but must also avoid treatments where the potential for harm outweighs the potential for benefit.
4. C
   Although one’s dominant physical features are associated with race, this man’s preferences are those of Latino ethnicity and culture. Ethnicity is a social construct that considers language, religion, nationality, and cultural factors. Culture relates to a group’s way of life; the preferences listed in the question are examples of material and symbolic culture.
5. D
   In the United States, it is not a common practice to say, “I love you,” and hug one’s physician after each routine checkup; therefore, this behavior could be considered deviant, going against the social norm. Values, (C), are what an individual deems to be important.
6. B
   Both birth rate and mortality rate can be measured per 1000 people per year. Fertility rate is measured in number of children per woman during her lifetime.
7. B
   Rituals are formalized ceremonial behaviors in which members of a group or community regularly engage. Therefore, these activities are examples of rituals performed for healing.
8. A
   With a decrease in mortality rate and a higher immigration rate than emigration rate, the United States population continues to grow, with an increasing average age and increasing racial and ethnic diversity.
9. C
   Material culture includes any cultural artifact—objects to which we assign meaning. Values are ideas, which are associated with symbolic culture.
10. D
    During demographic transition, both birth rates and mortality rates are high in stage 1, (A). Mortality rates drop during stage 2, (B), and then birth rates drop during stage 3, (C). In stage 4, both birth rates and mortality rates are low.
11. D
    In this scenario, a group is fighting for social power, which is an aspect of conflict theory. Further, this group is an example of a reactive social movement because it is running counter to social change. The fact that gambling had been legalized implies the involvement of the government, a social institution.
12. C
    This man is describing his sexuality as mostly homosexual, although he has also had some heterosexual attractions. The Kinsey scale scores a 6, (D), as exclusively homosexual. A score of 3 would equate to bisexuality. Thus, this man would likely score a 4 or 5.
13. B
    Sex is determined by one’s genotype, and therefore is biologically determined. Gender, (A), may or may not match biological sex and therefore is not biologically determined. Ethnicity, (C), is a social construct that sorts people by cultural factors, and therefore is not biologically determined. Sexual orientation, (D), may have some biological component, but the relative role of biology and environment is not yet known.
14. B
    If the immigration rate in a geographic area is larger than the emigration rate, then there is a larger influx than efflux of people. This will increase the population of that area.
15. A
    Urbanization is the migration of people into urban centers to create cities. The increased population density should provide additional opportunities for social interaction, not decreased opportunities.