Step 1: Understanding Talcott Parsons' pattern variables.
Talcott Parsons identified pattern variables as alternatives that individuals in society can choose between, depending on the context of their actions. These dichotomies help explain the different ways actors behave in society.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) Correct, according to Parsons, the alternatives are: ascription vs achievement, affectivity vs neutrality, and diffuseness vs specificity.
- (B) Incorrect, attribution, emotion, and distraction do not represent the pattern variables discussed by Parsons.
- (C) Incorrect, hatred is not one of the choices in Parsons’ theory.
- (D) Incorrect, attribution and distraction are not part of the pattern variables.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct answer is (A) achievement, neutrality, specificity.