Chapter 2 Review Questions

Short Answer Questions

1. Explain the significance of early tool use in prehistoric times.

2. Briefly explain how the tension between basic and applied research manifests itself in contemporary society.

3. Explain what Marshall McLuhan meant when he said, “The medium is the message.”

4. Describe three key fundamental changes brought about by the printing press.

5. Explain McLuhan’s concept of the global village and use an example to illustrate how you are a part of it.

6. Explain the difference between hot or cold/cool media. Provide examples of both kinds of media.

7. List and describe the six characteristics of big data (often called or 6Vs) in accord to Quan-Haase and Sloan (2017).

Essay Questions

1. The Neolithic period caused great changes in the way humans lived. Describe these changes and how they shaped Neolithic humans and society. Compare and contrast the Neolithic and Stone Age lifestyles. Why is the advent of the Neolithic age relevant for the study of sociology?

2. Big data and data science are becoming an integral part of governance. What are the main advantages of using a big data approach to solving societal problems? What are some of the negative aspects of big data approaches? Also, discuss ethical issues.