Which of the following best distinguishes a sociological generalization from a stereotype?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

When evaluating the distinction between a sociological generalization and a stereotype, it helps to compare the core characteristics of each.
Option 1: 'A generalization is based on systematic evidence and open to revision, while a stereotype is an oversimplified belief resistant to change.' This aligns with the sociological view that generalizations emerge from observed patterns that can be tested and updated as new data arrive, whereas stereotypes tend to be rigid beliefs about a group that persist despite contradictory information.
Option 2: 'A generalization describes moral qualities, while a stereotype describes social behavior.' This is inaccurate because generalizations in sociology are not defined by moral content; they describe patterns or regularities, not moral judgments. Likewise, stereotypes can pertain to beliefs about behavior but aren’t defined by describing behavior alone.
Option 3: 'A generalization applies to individuals, while a stereotype applies to groups.' The flaw here is that both generalizations and stereotypes typically concern groups or categories, not single individuals. Generalizations are about groups or classes based on observed tendencies, and stereotypes likewise target groups.
Option 4: 'A generalization is positive, while a stereotype is negative.' This is a misleading mischaracterization; generalizations can be neutral or even critical, and stereotypes are not inherently negative, though they are often associated with negative implications. The moral valence is not what fundamentally distinguishes them.
In summary, the strongest, conceptually accurate distinction centers on the evidentiary basis and the potential for revision for generalizations, contrasted with the fixed, oversimplified nature of stereotypes. The other options misstate the scope, content, or evaluative direction of these concepts.

SOC001 Lecture SOC 001 Midterm Exam

Which of the following best distinguishes a sociological generalization from a stereotype?

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