Sociologist robert k. merton stated that in order for social institutions and other social units to be considered functional, all their functions must be intended and recognized by the participants.
true / false.

False

Explanation:

                             Robert K. Merton was a sociologist and a professor from America.  He is considered as the father of the modern sociology. Robert K. Merton was awarded for the discovery of the sociology of science with the National Medal of Science by the President of the United States in the year 1994.

                          Robert K. Merton contributed a lot to sociology and is considered of great importance in respect to functional perspective when comes to the society. He along with other functionalist believed that society has many parts and every part of the society has to perform for its people.

Thus the answer is false.

because the early people found out about it.