AAMC FL Practice Exam

What best characterizes a social network?

1. A series of social relationships that links a person directly to others

2. A method for assessing individual personality traits

3. A scientific study of social behavior in animals

4. A classification of individuals based on economic status

The correct answer is: A series of social relationships that links a person directly to others

The correct characterization of a social network is that it consists of a series of social relationships that link a person directly to others. This highlights the interconnectedness of individuals within a community or group, emphasizing the ways in which people relate to one another and how these relationships form a broader network. In social networks, individuals are not isolated; they interact with others, forming direct connections that can influence various aspects of life, including information sharing, support systems, and the spread of ideas. The other options focus on different aspects of social interactions or classifications. For instance, assessing individual personality traits relates more to psychology and personal evaluation rather than the structure of social connections. The study of social behavior in animals involves sociology and biology, exploring behaviors in non-human species rather than human relationships specifically. Lastly, classifying individuals based on economic status pertains to socioeconomic analysis, which does not encompass the broader relational aspect inherent in social networks.