12 MCQs on Talcott Parsons' Pattern Variables: Test Your Knowledge of This Sociological Theory

1. Which of the following is not a pattern variable according to Talcott Parsons?

(A) Ascription vs. achievement (B) Affectivity vs. neutrality (C) Expressive vs. instrumental (D) Diffuseness vs. specificity

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is (C). Expressive vs. instrumental is not a pattern variable according to Talcott Parsons. The other three options are all pattern variables.

2. Which of the following is the correct order of the AGIL paradigm?

(A) Adaptation, goal attainment, integration, latency (B) Goal attainment, integration, latency, adaptation (C) Latency, integration, goal attainment, adaptation (D) Integration, latency, adaptation, goal attainment

Answer: (A)

The correct answer is (A). The AGIL paradigm is a model of the functional requirements of a social system. The four functions are adaptation, goal attainment, integration, and latency. They are ordered in the following way:

1. Adaptation: The ability of the system to adapt to its environment.
2. Goal attainment: The ability of the system to achieve its goals.
3. Integration: The ability of the system to maintain its internal order.
4. Latency: The ability of the system to reproduce itself and maintain its values.

3. Which of the following is an example of a diffuse relationship?

(A) A friendship between two people who have known each other for a long time and share many things in common. (B) A business relationship between two companies that are working together on a project. (C) A teacher-student relationship. (D) A doctor-patient relationship.

Answer: (A)

The correct answer is (A). A diffuse relationship is a relationship that is characterized by a high degree of emotional involvement and commitment. The other three options are examples of specific relationships.

4. Which of the following is an example of an affective orientation?

(A) A decision to make a business investment based on a careful analysis of the risks and rewards. (B) A decision to help a friend in need even though it will be inconvenient for you. (C) A decision to vote for a candidate who you believe has the best policies for the country. (D) A decision to buy a new car because it is the most fuel-efficient model on the market.

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is (B). An affective orientation is an orientation that is based on emotions and feelings. The other three options are examples of cognitive orientations.

5. Which of the following is an example of a universalistic orientation?

(A) A decision to hire someone based on their qualifications, regardless of their race, gender, or religion. (B) A decision to give money to a charity that helps people in need, regardless of where they are from. (C) A decision to vote for a candidate who you believe will represent the interests of all people, regardless of their social class. (D) All of the above.

Answer: (D)

The correct answer is (D). A universalistic orientation is an orientation that is based on the principle of treating everyone equally, regardless of their individual characteristics. All of the options are examples of universalistic orientations.

6. Which of the following is an example of a particularistic orientation?

(A) A decision to hire someone who is a friend or family member, even if they are not the most qualified candidate. (B) A decision to give money to a charity that helps people in your own community, rather than a charity that helps people in need from other countries. (C) A decision to vote for a candidate who is from your own political party, even if you disagree with some of their policies. (D) All of the above.

Answer: (D)

The correct answer is (D). A particularistic orientation is an orientation that is based on the principle of treating people differently, depending on their individual characteristics. All of the options are examples of particularistic orientations.

7. Which of the following is an example of a collectivity-oriented orientation?

(A) A decision to make a business investment that will benefit the company as a whole, even if it means sacrificing your own personal interests. (B) A decision to join a volunteer organization that is working to improve the lives of others. (C) A decision to vote for a candidate who you believe will make decisions that are in the best interests of the country, even if it means making some tough choices. (D) All of the above.

Answer: (D)

The correct answer is (D). A collectivity-oriented orientation is an orientation that is based on the principle of putting the needs of the group ahead of the needs of the individual. All of the options are examples of collectivity-oriented orientations.

8. Which of the following is an example of an individual-oriented orientation?

(A) A decision to make a business investment that will make you a lot of money, even if it means taking some risks. (B) A decision to quit your job and start your own business, even though it is a risky venture. (C) A decision to move to a new city to pursue your dream career, even though it means leaving your friends and family behind. (D) All of the above.

Answer: (D)

The correct answer is (D). An individual-oriented orientation is an orientation that is based on the principle of putting the needs of the individual ahead of the needs of the group. All of the options are examples of individual-oriented orientations.

9. A social system is characterized by:

(A) A set of interrelated and interdependent parts. (B) The ability to adapt to its environment. (C) The ability to achieve its goals. (D) All of the above.

Answer: (D)

The correct answer is (D). A social system is a system of interrelated and interdependent parts that is able to adapt to its environment and achieve its goals.

10. The four functional requirements of a social system are:

(A) Adaptation, goal attainment, integration, and latency. (B) Affectivity, neutrality, specificity, and diffuseness. (C) Universalism, particularism, collectivity, and individualism. (D) None of the above.

Answer: (A)

The correct answer is (A). The four functional requirements of a social system are adaptation, goal attainment, integration, and latency.

11. Ascription is a pattern variable that refers to:

(A) The allocation of social positions based on individual merit. (B) The allocation of social positions based on personal characteristics, such as race, gender, or social class. (C) The orientation of action that is based on emotions and feelings. (D) The orientation of action that is based on rationality and logic.

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is (B). Ascription is a pattern variable that refers to the allocation of social positions based on personal characteristics, such as race, gender, or social class.

12. Achievement is a pattern variable that refers to:

(A) The allocation of social positions based on individual merit. (B) The allocation of social positions based on personal characteristics, such as race, gender, or social class. (C) The orientation of action that is based on emotions and feelings. (D) The orientation of action that is based on rationality and logic.

Answer: (A)

The correct answer is (A). Achievement is a pattern variable that refers to the allocation of social positions based on individual merit.

I hope these MCQs are helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions.