Practice Questions
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According to Merton's Strain Theory, which of the following responses to societal goals and means is characterized by rejecting both the goals and the means of society?
Retreatism means giving up on both the goals and the ways to achieve them. Other options are incorrect because Conformity means following both the goa...
According to Merton's Strain Theory, how does the opportunity structure within a society influence individuals' likelihood to engage in deviant behavior?
When people can't find good ways to succeed, they might turn to crime. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that fewer chances make pe...
According to Merton's Strain Theory, which of the following best describes the relationship between anomie and social norms?
Anomie happens when social norms, or rules for behavior, break down. Other options are incorrect because This answer suggests that strong rules cause ...
According to Merton's Strain Theory, which of the following adaptations describes an individual who rejects both societal goals and the means of achieving them, often resulting in a retreat from society?
Retreatism is when a person gives up on both the goals society sets and the ways to reach them. Other options are incorrect because Innovation is when...
According to Merton's Strain Theory, which of the following best exemplifies the response of retreatism, while also highlighting the concept of anomie within social structures?
Retreatism is when someone gives up on society's goals and turns to things like drug use. Other options are incorrect because This option shows someon...
According to Merton's Strain Theory, what term describes a society that fails to provide sufficient means for individuals to achieve culturally approved goals, leading to confusion and a breakdown of social norms?
Anomie happens when people feel lost and confused because they can't reach their goals. Other options are incorrect because Conformity means following...
According to Merton's Strain Theory, which of the following best represents the concept of cultural goals within society?
This answer shows a common goal in society. Other options are incorrect because This option suggests helping others is the main goal; This choice mean...
According to Merton's Strain Theory, which of the following best describes the 'institutional means' available for achieving societal goals?
Merton's Strain Theory says that people can reach their goals through accepted ways. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that crime i...
What underlying societal condition is most likely to lead individuals to adopt innovative methods, according to Merton's Strain Theory?
When people can't reach their goals through normal ways, they may try new methods. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that many jobs...
How would Merton's Strain Theory explain the behavior of individuals who resort to crime when they feel they cannot achieve success through conventional means?
People may feel blocked from reaching their goals. Other options are incorrect because This suggests people don't care about rules; This means followi...
According to Merton's Strain Theory, which of the following responses are considered adaptations to the inability to achieve culturally defined goals? Select all that apply.
All options listed do not fit as adaptations in Merton's theory. Other options are incorrect because Some might think innovation is a way to adapt; Co...
Innovation in Merton's Strain Theory is to deviance as ritualism is to what?
Ritualism means sticking to rules even if you don't reach goals. Other options are incorrect because Rebellion means rejecting rules to create new one...
In a community where high-paying jobs are scarce, a group of individuals begins to engage in illegal activities to achieve financial success. According to Merton's Strain Theory, which response to strain are these individuals exhibiting?
These individuals are trying to find new ways to succeed. Other options are incorrect because Some might think conformity means following the law; Ret...
A young man, feeling alienated from society and unable to secure a stable job, starts selling drugs to make money. Which response to societal pressure does this behavior exemplify according to Merton's Strain Theory?
Innovation happens when someone finds a new way to reach goals. Other options are incorrect because Conformity means following the rules and trying to...
According to Merton's Strain Theory, when individuals are unable to achieve culturally defined goals through legitimate means, they may resort to __________ as a way to reach their objectives.
Innovation happens when people find new ways to reach their goals. Other options are incorrect because Conformity means following the rules and doing ...
Order the responses to strain in Merton's Strain Theory from the most innovative to the most conformist: A) Innovation → B) Ritualism → C) Retreatism → D) Conformity
This order shows how people respond to strain. Other options are incorrect because This suggests that following rules is the most creative response; T...
According to Merton's Strain Theory, what is the likely response of individuals who accept societal goals but reject legitimate means to achieve them?
Innovation happens when people want to reach goals but choose new, often illegal ways to do it. Other options are incorrect because Conformity means f...
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