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Which of the four types of deviant behavior is the focus of the theory and raises the question of perceptual bias?

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Final answer:

The type of deviant behavior that points to perceptual bias is explained by labeling theory within the symbolic interactionist paradigm, and is well represented by the concept of actor-observer bias.

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of deviant behavior that raises the question of perceptual bias and is the focus of certain sociological theories is best exemplified by the concept of labeling theory. Labeling theory, within the symbolic interactionist paradigm, posits that deviance is not inherent in an act but instead is the result of the labels society attaches to that act. Sociologists might use this theory to explore how perceptions of deviance are constructed and how individuals come to be identified as deviant. An example of perceptual bias in the context of deviance is the actor-observer bias, which refers to the tendency to attribute one's own behavior to situational factors (such as being late for an exam) while attributing others' behaviors to their character or disposition.

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