Final answer:
Gerhard Lenski would likely view the use of cell phones and computers for information exchange as the most significant factor in modern US sociocultural evolution, reflecting the society's high level of technological sophistication.
Step-by-step explanation:
If Gerhard Lenski were researching modern US society, he would most likely find the use of cell phones and computers to exchange information (Option 4) as the most important factor in its sociocultural evolution. This aligns with his perspective that societies evolve as their technology becomes more sophisticated. The technological advancements in communications have significantly altered how we interact, conduct business, and share knowledge, a hallmark of a post-industrial society.
Lenski's classification of societies based on technological advances implies that a society's level of technological sophistication profoundly impacts its culture and organization. While there's merit to classifying societies on their use of technology - as innovations such as the internet have fundamentally reshaped global societies - other criteria like economic structures, political systems, or social institutions can also offer valuable insight into the evolution of societies.
Theoretical perspectives like modernization theory, which suggests nations evolve toward more advanced technology and more complex industry, also affirm Lenski's viewpoint. The theory posits that nations develop as their citizens adopt cultural values that encourage hard work and success, fostering technological advancements and industrial growth.