Historically, sociologists have presumed that people will attribute ce

Question

Historically, sociologists have presumed that people will attribute certain characteristics to a member of a particular group when it is generally believed that most members of that group possess the characteristics in question. For sociologists Hepburn and Locksley, such social stereotyping has led to the broader question of whether people are cognizant of their own stereotyping behavior. Seemingly, if one knows that one holds a stereotypical notion such as “all members of a certain ethnic group are natural musicians,” then one might also be aware that the notion that “a particular musician of that ethnic group is a great musician” is a corollary of that stereotype. However, people are most aware of their stereotyping when they have no information. When given information that conforms to their beliefs and the individual case observed, people become less aware of their tendency to stereotype and therefore more likely to engage in stereotyping.    1  
 1. Which of the following best describes the function of the first sentence?

A. To present a criticism of Hepburn and Locksley’s conceptualization of why individuals stereotype
B. To provide evidence to support Hepburn and Locksley’s claims about the problems inherent with stereotyping
C. To provide the backdrop for Hepburn and Locksley’s study
D. To provide an overview of a social phenomenon and its contributions to Hepburn and Locksley’s area of inquiry
E. To provide a history of social stereotyping alongside Hepburn and Locksley’s reservations about the practice

2  
 2. The author of the passage is primarily concerned with

A. investigations into stereotyping and an awareness of stereotyping by individuals
B. an examination of the relative truths behind well known stereotypes
C. an attempt to prove that stereotypes are a result of ignorance
D. a refutation of a broader question surrounding stereotypes
E. a detailed list of when individuals are likely to be aware that they are applying stereotypes

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

1. Which of the following best describes the function of the first sentence?

The first sentence states that sociologists have historically held the view that individuals stereotype. The rest of the paragraph delves into Hepburn and Locksley’s study, which investigates the extent to which people are aware of their own stereotyping behavior. Therefore, the ɹrst sentence provides the historical background for Hepburn and Locksley’s study. The closest answer is therefore  choice (C)

Answer: C

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Official Explanation

2. The author of the passage is primarily concerned with

The passage starts with a historical overview of stereotypes and then focuses on two investigators who look at the related issue of whether or not individuals are aware that they are applying stereotypes.  Choice (A)  sums this up the best.  Choice (B)  is out of scope.  Choices (C)  and  (D)  are too strong; it is neither an attempt to prove nor to refute anything.  Choice (E)  is too speciɹc, and the passage doesn’t contain any detailed lists.

Answer: A

Historically, sociologists have presumed that people will attribute ce

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