According to Merton, people respond to the situation described in question 3 in predictable ways. Some people stop trying to achieve the goals society sees as good and worthwhile. For example, they may continue to work, but they no longer do so with any hope that they will achieve the goals society sees as important. Instead they seem to just "go through the motions." Merton referred to this behavior as:

a. Alienation from Others

b. Ritualism

c. Rebellion

d. Alienation from Self