External control is not a type of social control. Formal control refers to the use of laws and regulations to enforce conformity, informal control refers to the use of social norms and values to enforce conformity, and internal control refers to the individual's own conscience and values that influence their behavior.

Laws and regulations are an example of formal social control because they are written rules that are enforced by the government.

Gossip is an example of informal social control because it is a way for people to communicate about and evaluate each other's behavior.

Values are an example of internal social control because they are the beliefs that individuals hold about what is right and wrong.

The primary function of social control is to maintain social order by ensuring that individuals and groups conform to social norms and values.

Social control theory is a theory that explains how individuals and groups are influenced to conform to social norms and values.

According to social control theory, the primary mechanism of social control is socialization, the process by which individuals learn the norms, values, and beliefs of their society.

All of the above are examples of social control agents, individuals or groups that are responsible for enforcing social norms and values.

All of the above are examples of social control techniques, methods that are used to influence individuals and groups to conform to social norms and values.

All of the above are factors that can weaken social control by making it more difficult for individuals and groups to conform to social norms and values.

All of the above are consequences of social control, as it helps to maintain social order, stability, and cohesion.

All of the above are criticisms of social control, as it can be used to oppress and control individuals and groups, stifle creativity and innovation, and lead to conformity and a lack of individuality.

All of the above are ways to strengthen social control, as they help to increase conformity to social norms and values.

All of the above are ways to weaken social control, as they make it more difficult for individuals and groups to conform to social norms and values.

All of the above are future directions for research on social control, as they are important areas that have not been fully explored.