Free Sociological Theory MCQs with Answers

• A. Max Weber
• B. August Comte
• C. Emile Durkheim
• D. None of these

Explanation: Auguste Comte coined the term sociology in the nineteenth century by combining the Latin word socius, meaning companion or society, with the Greek word logos, meaning study. Weber and Durkheim later developed major sociological theories.

• A. Mid seventeenth Century
• B. In Eighteenth Century
• C. In early 19th Century
• D. None of these

Explanation: Sociology emerged as a distinct discipline in the early nineteenth century, in response to the Industrial Revolution, urbanisation, and political upheavals in Europe. Comte coined the term in 1838.

• A. patterns of human behavior
• B. the behavior of an individual
• C. random human actions
• D. all of the above

Explanation: Sociology focuses on recurring patterns in human behaviour, relationships, and group life rather than isolated or random actions. Individual behaviour becomes sociologically relevant when connected to social conditions and interaction.

• A. Harriet Martineau
• B. Herbert Spencer
• C. Booker T Washington
• D. W, E.B Du Bois

Explanation: W. E. B. Du Bois was an early Black sociologist who combined sociological research with activism for racial equality and criticised approaches that accepted the existing racial order. Booker T. Washington was also an important Black leader, but the description most specifically identifies Du Bois.

• A. functionalist perspective
• B. conflict perspective
• C. interactionist perspective
• D. dramaturgical approach

Explanation: The functionalist perspective sees society as an integrated system whose institutions and roles perform functions that help maintain social stability. Conflict theory instead emphasizes inequality and struggle, while interactionism focuses on everyday meanings.

• A. dramaturgy
• B. ideal types
• C. functionalism
• D. macrosociology

Explanation: Max Weber introduced ideal types, analytical models used to compare and understand social phenomena, such as his ideal type of bureaucracy. Dramaturgy is mainly associated with Erving Goffman, while functionalism is a broader theoretical perspective.

• A. class conflict
• B. Dialectical materialism
• C. Social dynamics
• D. Social DarwinismPeople & Society

Explanation: Social Darwinism applies Darwinian ideas of competition and survival of the fittest to human societies and social groups. It is distinct from Marxist concepts such as class conflict and dialectical materialism.

• A. has been to study social interaction for over 500 years.
• B. Is the scientific study of social interaction and organization?
• C. has little bearing on public policy
• D. is most useful when applied to abstract -as opposed to practical matters

Explanation: Sociology uses systematic and scientific methods to study patterns of social interaction, relationships and organisation. The other statements wrongly limit sociology's history, policy relevance or practical usefulness.

• A. Theological
• B. Metaphysical
• C. Scientific
• D. None of theseHire Grant Writers

Explanation: In Comte's three-stage law, the theological stage is followed by the metaphysical stage, in which abstract or natural forces replace supernatural explanations. The scientific or positive stage comes third.

• A. Separate Disciplines
• B. Same discipline
• C. Not studied
• D. None of theseAccess Government Careers

Explanation: Before the modern division of academic fields, history, politics, philosophy and sociology were treated within a broad, unified study of society. They later developed into separate specialised disciplines.