A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

A LEVEL SOCIOLOGY OCR

PRACTICE EXAM

Question 1: Which statement best describes a social norm?

Choices:

1) A socially shared rule or expectation about appropriate behaviour 2) A personal preference that has no social meaning 3) A law enforced only by the criminal courts 4) A biological instinct that is universal Correct Answer: A socially shared rule or expectation about appropriate behaviour Explanation: A norm is a socially shared expectation about how people should behave in particular situations; norms are often linked to wider social values.Page 1

Question 2: A child learns table manners, language and basic expectations mainly through interaction with parents and carers. Which process is illustrated most directly?

Choices:

1) Primary socialisation 2) Secondary socialisation 3) Anticipatory deviance 4) Role exit

Correct Answer: Primary socialisation

Explanation: Primary socialisation takes place mainly in early childhood, especially through the family, where basic norms, values and language are learned.

Question 3: Which example best illustrates cultural hybridity?

Choices:

1) A music style combining Caribbean rhythms with British electronic in�uences 2) A community rejecting all outside cultural in�uences 3) A school requiring every pupil to wear the same uniform 4) A family reproducing an unchanged tradition across generations Correct Answer: A music style combining Caribbean rhythms with British electronic in�uences Explanation: Cultural hybridity refers to the blending of elements from two or more cultures to create new cultural forms, identities or practices.Page 2

Question 4: From a functionalist perspective, why is socialisation important for social order?

Choices:

1) It transmits shared norms and values that support value consensus 2) It guarantees that all social groups have equal power 3) It eliminates con�ict between generations 4) It prevents individuals from developing personal identities Correct Answer: It transmits shared norms and values that support value consensus Explanation: Functionalists such as Parsons emphasise that socialisation helps produce value consensus by teaching common norms and values, supporting social integration and stability.

Question 5: Which situation is the clearest example of resocialisation?

Choices:

1) A recruit entering military training and learning a new set of routines and expectations 2) A teenager choosing a new music playlist 3) A voter reading a newspaper article 4) A child receiving pocket money for the �rst time Correct Answer: A recruit entering military training and learning a new set of routines and expectations Explanation: Resocialisation involves replacing or substantially modifying previous norms, values and behaviours, often when entering a highly structured institution or new social role.Page 3