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CLEP cheat sheet

CLEP Introductory Sociology cheat sheet

A condensed reference for the formulas, graph-reading rules, and must-know facts most worth reviewing before exam day.

The three perspectives

  • Functionalism (Durkheim): society is a system of interdependent parts that maintain stability.
  • Conflict theory (Marx): society is competition over scarce resources; focus on power and inequality.
  • Symbolic interactionism (Weber/Mead): society is built from everyday interactions and shared meanings.

Founding theorists

  • Émile Durkheim: solidarity, anomie, the function of institutions, study of suicide.
  • Karl Marx: class conflict (bourgeoisie vs proletariat), alienation, historical materialism.
  • Max Weber: rationalization, bureaucracy, verstehen (interpretive understanding), the Protestant ethic.

Core vocabulary

  • Culture: values (ideals), norms (rules), folkways (everyday customs), mores (moral rules), sanctions.
  • Socialization: how we learn culture; agents = family, school, peers, media.
  • Stratification: class, caste; ascribed vs achieved status; social mobility.
  • Deviance theories: strain, labeling, differential association, control theory.

Practice this first: The sociological perspective and theory — The three perspectives and founding theorists are the biggest share of the exam.

Now put it to work — practice CLEP Introductory Sociology free

Reviewing the sheet is step one. Passers are usually hitting about 70-80% on realistic practice before test day (CLEP costs about $93, with a 3-month retake lockout on a miss), so the fastest way to know you are ready is to start answering real questions.