Free Sociological Theory MCQs with Answers

• A. quite opposing to each other
• B. complementary each other
• C. basically, the analysis of society from different angles
• D. B and C

Explanation: Sociological perspectives provide different angles for analysing society, and their insights can often complement one another rather than being completely opposed. Thus both statements in options b and c support option d.

• A. Religion is a driving force in society
• B. Class conflict and class exploitation is prime force history
• C. Equilibrium drives the society
• D. None of these

Explanation: Conflict theory explains social development through unequal power, class conflict, and exploitation, especially the struggle between dominant and subordinate classes. Equilibrium is associated more closely with functionalism, not conflict theory.

• A. Talcott Parsons
• B. Kingsley Davis
• C. Robert Merton
• D. All of above

Explanation: Talcott Parsons, Kingsley Davis, and Robert Merton are all major contributors to the functionalist perspective, although they developed different versions of functional analysis. Therefore, all of the listed names are relevant.

• A. Spencer
• B. G.H Meads and C.H Cooley
• C. Marx
• D. None of these

Explanation: The interactionist perspective is associated with George Herbert Mead and Charles Horton Cooley, who emphasised symbols, the self, and social interaction. Spencer and Marx belong to evolutionary and conflict traditions respectively.

• A. Patterns of Change and development
• B. Causes of social change
• C. None of these
• D. both of these

Explanation: Evolutionary sociology examines broad patterns of social change and development, such as movement from simpler to more complex forms of organisation. Studying the general causes of change is not the distinctive wording normally used to define this perspective.

• A. Conflict Perspective
• B. The Functionalist Perspective
• C. The Evolutionary Perspective
• D. None of these

Explanation: The evolutionary perspective was the earliest major theoretical perspective in sociology, influenced by nineteenth-century ideas about social evolution. Conflict and functionalist perspectives became prominent later.

• A. sociology should follow scientific method
• B. Sociology should be on personal theories
• C. Sociology is not a science
• D. None of these

Explanation: Early sociologists sought to establish sociology as a scientific discipline, using systematic observation and evidence rather than personal speculation. This scientific emphasis distinguishes sociology from unsupported opinion or authority-based explanation.

• A. Social Evolution
• B. Social Cohesion
• C. Social Solidarity
• D. None of these

Explanation: Herbert Spencer applied evolutionary ideas to society, arguing that societies develop from simple to more complex forms. Social solidarity and social cohesion are more closely associated with Durkheim.

• A. Sociology should be based on speculation
• B. On systematic observation and classification
• C. On authority
• D. None of these

Explanation: Comte’s positive philosophy rejected speculation and emphasized knowledge based on systematic observation, comparison, and classification. These procedures formed the foundation of his proposed scientific sociology.

• A. Karl Marx
• B. Max Weber
• C. August Comte
• D. None of these

Explanation: Auguste Comte is conventionally credited with coining the term sociology in 1838 by combining the Latin socius, meaning society or companion, with the Greek logos, meaning study.