The Sociology of Technological Knowledge

Description: This quiz assesses your understanding of the sociology of technological knowledge, which explores the social, cultural, and political factors that shape the development and use of technology.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: sociology of technology social construction of technology technological determinism
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Which theory emphasizes the role of social factors in shaping technological development?

  1. Technological Determinism

  2. Social Construction of Technology

  3. Technological Imperative

  4. Technological Autonomy


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The social construction of technology theory argues that technology is not simply a product of scientific and engineering advancements but is also shaped by social, cultural, and political factors.

Who coined the term "technological determinism"?

  1. Thomas Edison

  2. Karl Marx

  3. Jacques Ellul

  4. Herbert Marcuse


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Jacques Ellul, a French philosopher and sociologist, coined the term "technological determinism" in his book "The Technological Society" (1954).

What is the central idea of technological determinism?

  1. Technology drives social and cultural change.

  2. Social and cultural factors shape technological development.

  3. Technology and society co-evolve.

  4. Technology is autonomous and independent of social influences.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Technological determinism posits that technological advancements inevitably lead to social and cultural changes, often without considering the influence of social factors on technology.

Which sociologist argued that technology is a neutral tool that can be used for good or evil?

  1. Jacques Ellul

  2. Herbert Marcuse

  3. Lewis Mumford

  4. Thomas Edison


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Lewis Mumford, an American historian and sociologist, argued that technology is a neutral tool that can be used for good or evil, depending on the social and cultural context in which it is used.

What is the concept of "technological frames"?

  1. The social and cultural meanings associated with a technology.

  2. The physical components and design of a technology.

  3. The economic and political factors that influence technological development.

  4. The environmental impact of a technology.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Technological frames refer to the social and cultural meanings that are associated with a particular technology, shaping how people perceive and interact with it.

Which theory emphasizes the co-evolution of technology and society?

  1. Technological Determinism

  2. Social Construction of Technology

  3. Actor-Network Theory

  4. Technological Imperative


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Actor-network theory argues that technology and society co-evolve, with each influencing the development and use of the other.

What is the concept of "technological momentum"?

  1. The tendency for technologies to continue developing and improving over time.

  2. The resistance to change in technological systems.

  3. The social and cultural factors that shape technological development.

  4. The economic and political factors that influence technological innovation.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Technological momentum refers to the tendency for technologies to continue developing and improving over time, often leading to incremental changes and advancements.

Which sociologist argued that technology is a form of social control?

  1. Jacques Ellul

  2. Herbert Marcuse

  3. Michel Foucault

  4. Thomas Edison


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Michel Foucault, a French philosopher and historian, argued that technology can be a form of social control, shaping people's behavior and limiting their freedom.

What is the concept of "technological fetishism"?

  1. The tendency to view technology as a neutral and objective force.

  2. The belief that technology can solve all social problems.

  3. The excessive admiration and reverence for technology.

  4. The fear and distrust of technology.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Technological fetishism refers to the excessive admiration and reverence for technology, often leading to an uncritical acceptance of its benefits and potential consequences.

Which theory emphasizes the role of power and politics in shaping technological development?

  1. Technological Determinism

  2. Social Construction of Technology

  3. Actor-Network Theory

  4. Political Economy of Technology


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The political economy of technology theory emphasizes the role of power and politics in shaping technological development, arguing that technology is not neutral but is influenced by economic and political interests.

What is the concept of "technological unemployment"?

  1. The loss of jobs due to technological advancements.

  2. The creation of new jobs as a result of technological innovation.

  3. The displacement of workers from one industry to another due to technology.

  4. The increase in productivity and efficiency brought about by technology.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Technological unemployment refers to the loss of jobs due to technological advancements, particularly when new technologies automate tasks previously performed by human workers.

Which sociologist argued that technology can be a source of alienation and dehumanization?

  1. Jacques Ellul

  2. Herbert Marcuse

  3. Lewis Mumford

  4. Thomas Edison


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Herbert Marcuse, a German-American philosopher and sociologist, argued that technology can be a source of alienation and dehumanization, leading to a loss of individuality and autonomy.

What is the concept of "technological utopianism"?

  1. The belief that technology can solve all social problems.

  2. The fear and distrust of technology.

  3. The excessive admiration and reverence for technology.

  4. The tendency to view technology as a neutral and objective force.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Technological utopianism refers to the belief that technology can solve all social problems and bring about a perfect society.

Which theory emphasizes the importance of social and cultural factors in shaping the adoption and use of technology?

  1. Technological Determinism

  2. Social Construction of Technology

  3. Actor-Network Theory

  4. Diffusion of Innovations Theory


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Diffusion of innovations theory emphasizes the importance of social and cultural factors in shaping the adoption and use of technology, exploring how new technologies spread through a population.

What is the concept of "technological risk"?

  1. The potential negative consequences of technological advancements.

  2. The benefits and opportunities that come with technological innovation.

  3. The social and cultural factors that shape technological development.

  4. The economic and political factors that influence technological adoption.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Technological risk refers to the potential negative consequences of technological advancements, such as environmental damage, job displacement, and social inequality.

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