TASC Sociology case studies
TASC Sociology · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The TASC Sociology page on this platform supports learners preparing for the social studies content of the TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion), a high school equivalency credential for adults and out-of-school youth who did not finish a traditional diploma. Sociology questions on the social studies subtest ask you to apply sociological perspectives to real situations rather than recite definitions, so this material emphasizes reasoning with concepts: functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interactionist lenses; research methods and evidence quality; culture, norms, and socialization; groups, roles, and formal organizations; stratification by class, race, ethnicity, and gender; institutions such as family, education, religion, and government; and social change, social movements, and collective behavior. The TASC Sociology case studies are 5 cases and about 2,187 words.
1The Food Pantry Volunteer Study
A community college researcher wants to understand why the campus food pantry is used by only 40 of the 600 students who qualify for free meal vouchers. She plans to stand outside the pantry for two weeks and interview every student who walks in, then compare their answers to a survey of 100 randomly selected eligible students.
577 words, about 3 min2The Plant Closing and the Company Town
A manufacturing plant that employs 1,200 people in a town of 9,000 announces closure in six months. Median household income is 38,000, and 60 percent of workers have no postsecondary credential.
412 words, about 2 min3The School Uniform Debate
A diverse urban middle school of 800 students adopts uniforms to reduce visible status differences. The principal argues uniforms will improve focus and lessen bullying tied to clothing brands.
401 words, about 2 min4The Remote Work Divide
A mid-sized firm of 300 employees moves to a hybrid schedule: three days remote, two in office. Managers are allowed to choose which days they attend, while frontline staff must follow fixed shifts.
405 words, about 2 min5The Neighborhood Speed Bumps
Residents of a neighborhood with a speeding problem petition the city for speed bumps after a child is injured. The city installs bumps on three streets.
392 words, about 2 min