Culture: Definition, Characteristics, and Impact on Human Behavior

Question 1

According to the provided unit description, which of the following is NOT a fundamental characteristic of culture?

Accepted Answer

It is a static and unchanging entity.

Answer

It is shared and collectively understood by a group of people.

Answer

It is influenced by environmental and historical contexts.

Answer

It influences how people think, feel, and behave.

Question 2

How does cultural transmission occur? Discuss the roles of socialization, education, and media in this process.

Accepted Answer

Informal learning, observing others, and imitating behaviors are key in cultural transmission.

Answer

Cultural transmission mainly happens through formal education and structured learning settings.

Answer

Cultural transmission is solely determined by biological inheritance and genetic predispositions.

Question 3

Before the rise of Islam, what religious beliefs and practices were prevalent in Arabia?

Accepted Answer

Polytheism, involving the worship of multiple gods and goddesses, as well as animistic beliefs in spirits and natural forces

Answer

Strict monotheism, centered around the worship of Allah

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A combination of Christianity and Zoroastrianism, emphasizing the worship of a single supreme being

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Atheism, rejecting all religious beliefs and practices

Question 4

What factors contributed to the rapid expansion of Islam beyond the Arabian Peninsula?

Accepted Answer

Military conquests and economic incentives

Answer

Missionary efforts and cultural exchange

Answer

Intermarriage and military conquests

Answer

Economic incentives and missionary efforts

Question 5

In what ways did the Quran contribute to the development of Islamic civilization?

Accepted Answer

It influenced legal systems, ethical values, and moral principles.

Accepted Answer

It played a key role in fostering a sense of unity and shared identity among Muslims.

Answer

It provided religious guidance only.

Answer

It solely inspired the creation of Islamic art forms.

Question 6

In ethical cultural research, which principle is essential to uphold?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent from participants

Answer

Using only publicly available data

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Avoiding fieldwork altogether

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Using deception to gather sensitive information

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of culture specifically?

Accepted Answer

Instinctual

Answer

Learned and shared through social interaction

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Symbolic

Answer

Transgenerational

Question 8

The concept of _____ emphasizes that cultural practices and beliefs should be understood within their own context.

Accepted Answer

Cultural relativism

Answer

Cultural diffusion

Answer

Ethnocentrism

Answer

Cultural determinism

Question 9

Which of the following is a component of material culture, consisting of tangible objects?

Accepted Answer

Tools and technologies

Answer

Beliefs

Answer

Values

Answer

Rituals

Question 10

The process by which cultural traits spread from one society to another is known as:

Accepted Answer

Cultural diffusion

Answer

Cultural assimilation

Answer

Cultural evolution

Answer

Cultural borrowing

Question 11

The concept of _____ refers to the unconscious mental processes and assumptions that influence cultural behavior and cognition.

Accepted Answer

Cultural conditioning

Answer

Cultural socialization

Answer

Cultural transmission

Answer

Cultural relativism

Question 12

Bronislaw Malinowski's concept of _____ refers to the shared meaning that symbols and rituals have within a culture, providing a framework for understanding the world.

Accepted Answer

Cultural symbol

Answer

Cultural context

Answer

Cultural function

Answer

Cultural norm

Question 13

The concept of _____ refers to the process by which individuals internalize cultural norms, values, and behaviors, becoming members of their society.

Accepted Answer

Cultural socialization

Answer

Cultural assimilation

Answer

Cultural acculturation

Answer

Cultural transmission

Question 14

How do cultural norms shape the acceptability of behaviors within a society?

Accepted Answer

Cultural norms set expectations for behavior, guiding individuals within a society.

Answer

Cultural norms only apply to traditional or isolated communities.

Answer

Cultural norms are solely determined by the beliefs and values of a society's leaders.

Question 15

What is the definition of cultural relativism?

Accepted Answer

Examining cultural practices within their own cultural context

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Believing that one's own culture is superior to others

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Believing that all cultures are equally valuable

Question 16

Examine the Japanese tea ceremony, 'chanoyu', through the lens of cultural anthropology. Discuss its origins, cultural significance, and potential impact on individuals and Japanese society.

Accepted Answer

Chanoyu originated from Zen Buddhist principles, emphasizing mindfulness, harmony, and respect in a ritualistic performance.

Answer

Chanoyu was primarily developed to promote tea consumption in Japan.

Answer

Chanoyu has no significant impact on individuals or Japanese society.

Answer

Chanoyu is a popular form of entertainment enjoyed by all Japanese citizens.

Question 17

Which characteristic does NOT apply to culture?

Accepted Answer

It is an objective truth.

Answer

It is a shared and learned system.

Answer

It is dynamic and evolving.

Answer

It influences human behavior.

Question 18

What is the concept of cultural relativism in anthropology?

Accepted Answer

All cultures are equally valuable and deserving of respect.

Answer

Certain cultures possess superiority over others.

Answer

We should impose our cultural values onto other cultures.

Answer

Culture remains static and unchanging over time.

Question 19

Which element below is a key characteristic of culture?

Accepted Answer

Culture is transmitted through socialization and learning.

Answer

Culture stays static and never changes.

Answer

Culture can be found only in specific societies.

Answer

Culture is strictly determined by genetic factors.

Question 20

Explain the concept of 'cultural relativism.'

Accepted Answer

Understanding cultural practices within their own context.

Answer

All cultures are equal and should be valued.

Answer

Judging other cultures based on the standards of one's culture.

Answer

Avoiding contact with cultures different from one's own.

Question 21

Identify which element is NOT a component of culture.

Accepted Answer

Biological characteristics.

Answer

Values and beliefs.

Answer

Social norms and rules.

Answer

Language and communication.

Question 22

Explain how culture influences human cognition.

Accepted Answer

Culture affects how we perceive and interpret our surroundings.

Answer

Culture determines our intelligence and cognitive abilities.

Answer

Culture has no impact on our cognitive processes.

Answer

Culture only influences cultural beliefs.

Question 23

What role do emotions play in culture?

Accepted Answer

They are culturally constructed and differ across societies.

Answer

They are universal and experienced similarly across cultures.

Answer

They are influenced only by individual experiences.

Answer

They have no role in culture.

Question 24

Define cultural norms:

Accepted Answer

Shape our behavior and expectations.

Answer

Always written down and codified.

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Same in all cultures.

Answer

Enforced by formal sanctions.

Question 25

How should culture be understood?

Accepted Answer

A dynamic and evolving phenomenon.

Answer

A static and unchanging set of beliefs and practices.

Answer

A rigid code of conduct that governs all aspects of life.

Answer

A product of individual experiences.

Question 26

Select the characteristic that accurately describes the nature of culture:

Accepted Answer

Learned and transmitted across generations

Answer

Static and unchanging in nature

Answer

Exclusive to specific geographical regions

Answer

Inborn and present in all humans irrespective of their background

Question 27

Identify the element that is NOT considered a component of culture:

Accepted Answer

Geography

Answer

Values

Answer

Beliefs

Answer

Language

Question 28

Explain how culture exerts its influence on human cognitive processes:

Accepted Answer

By shaping how we perceive and interpret our surroundings

Answer

By strictly controlling our thoughts and actions

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By limiting our intellectual capabilities

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By enhancing our rational thinking abilities

Question 29

State the primary purpose of cultural relativism in the field of anthropology:

Accepted Answer

To interpret cultural practices within their own contexts

Answer

To compare and judge different cultures based on their merits

Answer

To promote ethnocentrism and cultural superiority

Answer

To eliminate cultural bias and prejudice

Question 30

Which of the following scenarios exemplifies cultural bias?

Accepted Answer

Evaluating other cultures exclusively based on one's own cultural standards

Answer

Assuming that one's own cultural values are universally applicable

Answer

Acknowledging and respecting cultural diversity

Answer

Adapting communication styles to different cultural contexts

Question 31

Distinguish between material and non-material aspects of culture:

Accepted Answer

Material culture is tangible, while non-material culture is intangible

Answer

Non-material culture is more important than material culture

Answer

Material culture is less dynamic than non-material culture

Answer

Non-material culture is a sub-category of material culture

Question 32

How can anthropologists ensure that their research is culturally sensitive?

Accepted Answer

By engaging in participant observation and immersing themselves in the culture

Answer

By relying solely on written sources and historical accounts

Answer

By observing cultural practices from a distance without interacting

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By imposing their own cultural interpretations on their findings

Question 33

How do cultural symbols and rituals contribute to our understanding of the world and provide a framework for interpreting our experiences?

Accepted Answer

They establish a shared language and system of meanings within a culture, allowing individuals to communicate and understand each other's actions and beliefs.

Answer

They primarily serve to enforce social order and maintain conformity within a culture.

Answer

They primarily provide individuals with a sense of identity and belonging within a particular group.

Answer

None of the above options accurately describes the role of cultural symbols and rituals.

Question 34

How do enculturation and acculturation differ in terms of cultural acquisition?

Accepted Answer

Enculturation involves learning one's native culture, while acculturation involves learning a new culture.

Answer

Enculturation is a lifelong process, while acculturation occurs only during adolescence.

Answer

Enculturation is a passive process, whereas acculturation requires conscious effort.

Answer

Enculturation is only possible for children, while acculturation can only occur in adulthood.

Question 35

Which theoretical approach to culture focuses on the shared, objective meanings and functions of cultural elements within a society?

Accepted Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Cultural Materialism

Answer

Structuralism

Question 36

How is cultural change best characterized?

Accepted Answer

Essential for human culture, enabling adaptation and growth

Answer

A linear progression from primitive to advanced societies

Answer

Exclusively driven by external influences

Answer

Always beneficial and universally improving lives

Question 37

Identify the statement that is NOT a characteristic of culture as defined in Psychological Anthropology:

Accepted Answer

Culture is exclusive to a particular group of people.

Answer

Culture is learned and transmitted through social interactions.

Answer

Culture is dynamic and ever-changing.

Question 38

How does culture influence our perception of time, including our experiences of the past, present, and future?

Accepted Answer

Culture shapes our perception of time through its influence on our values and beliefs about the past, present, and future.

Answer

Culture has no impact on our perception of time.

Answer

Culture only affects our perception of the present moment, not the past or future.

Question 39

How does cultural hegemony influence cultural diversity and the preservation of cultural heritage?

Accepted Answer

Cultural hegemony can diminish cultural diversity by suppressing and marginalizing minority cultures.

Answer

Cultural hegemony promotes cultural diversity by nurturing the development of minority cultures.

Answer

Cultural hegemony has no impact on the preservation of cultural heritage.

Answer

Cultural hegemony always results in the assimilation of minority cultures.

Question 40

Which of the following defines a core characteristic of culture?

Accepted Answer

It is shared and transmitted among members of a group.

Answer

It remains unchanged over time.

Answer

It only applies to specific geographic regions.

Answer

It is solely determined by genetics.

Question 41

The principle of cultural relativism advocates for:

Accepted Answer

Evaluating cultural practices within their specific contexts, avoiding external judgments.

Answer

Assuming all cultures are inherently superior or inferior.

Answer

Enforcing a universal moral code across all cultures.

Question 42

Which of the following is an example of a material component of culture?

Accepted Answer

Tools and technology

Answer

Language

Answer

Social norms

Answer

Beliefs and values

Question 43

In what way does culture influence human behavior?

Accepted Answer

It guides appropriate actions and responses in various situations.

Answer

It forces individuals to conform to strict rules without exception.

Answer

It eliminates all forms of individual choice and autonomy.

Question 44

A limitation of viewing culture as a bounded entity is:

Accepted Answer

It potentially oversimplifies the diversity and fluidity within cultures.

Answer

It helps maintain cultural purity and distinctiveness.

Answer

It emphasizes the interconnectedness of cultures.

Question 45

The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis posits that:

Accepted Answer

Language influences our perception and conceptualization of the world.

Answer

All languages offer equally comprehensive and precise ways of describing reality.

Answer

Language has no impact on cognition or understanding.

Question 46

Which of the following is NOT considered a function of culture?

Accepted Answer

Suppressing individual freedoms and creativity

Answer

Fostering social cohesion and cooperation

Answer

Facilitating knowledge transmission across generations

Answer

Providing stability and continuity

Question 47

How does culture impact human emotions?

Accepted Answer

It shapes culturally specific norms for emotional expression and experience.

Answer

It suppresses all forms of emotional display and expression.

Answer

It ensures emotional experiences and responses are universally the same across cultures.

Question 48

Which of the following represents a non-material aspect of culture?

Accepted Answer

Beliefs and values

Answer

Artistic creations

Answer

Social institutions

Answer

Tools and buildings

Question 49

The concept of culture is central to anthropology because it:

Accepted Answer

Provides a framework for exploring human diversity and universal experiences.

Answer

Only applies to the study of primitive societies.

Answer

Is a rigid and inflexible concept.

Question 50

Define culture accurately.

Accepted Answer

The collective beliefs, values, customs, and behaviors that a group of people share and transmit across generations.

Answer

The physical and social environment in which people reside.

Answer

The sum of all the unique experiences of a person.

Question 51

Identify a characteristic feature of culture.

Accepted Answer

Culture is learned and transmitted through social interactions, not biologically inherited.

Answer

Culture exists exclusively in technologically advanced societies.

Answer

Culture remains static and unchanging over time.

Question 52

Which of the following is a fundamental component of culture?

Accepted Answer

Values, representing shared beliefs about what is considered good or bad, right or wrong.

Answer

Natural resources, as these are not socially constructed.

Answer

Genetic material, as culture is not biologically inherited.

Answer

Weather patterns, as these are not created or influenced by human behavior.

Question 53

Explain how culture influences human behavior.

Accepted Answer

Culture shapes our behavior by providing us with shared norms, expectations, and guidelines for appropriate conduct.

Answer

Culture determines our genetic makeup and physical characteristics.

Answer

Culture makes us invulnerable to all types of diseases.

Answer

Culture guarantees our happiness and well-being.

Question 54

Define cultural relativism.

Accepted Answer

Cultural relativism is the principle that different cultures should be understood and evaluated within their own contexts, without applying external judgments based on one's own cultural values.

Answer

Cultural relativism involves judging and ranking cultures based on the standards and values of one's own culture.

Answer

Cultural relativism asserts that all cultures are superior to others.

Question 55

Which of the following illustrates cultural diversity?

Accepted Answer

The existence of numerous languages spoken around the world, reflecting the vast linguistic diversity of human cultures.

Answer

The universal experience of emotions like love, suggesting a common human emotional repertoire.

Answer

The fact that all humans have the same basic physiological needs, such as food and shelter.

Answer

The similarities and commonalities found across different religions, emphasizing their shared elements.

Question 56

Describe how culture influences human cognition.

Accepted Answer

Culture shapes how we perceive, interpret, and make sense of the world around us, influencing our cognitive processes.

Answer

Culture has no significant impact on our thought processes and reasoning abilities.

Answer

Culture determines the physical size and structure of our brains.

Question 57

Explain how culture influences human emotions.

Accepted Answer

Culture shapes the way we express, experience, and regulate our emotions, influencing how we communicate and respond to emotional experiences.

Answer

Culture makes us immune to emotional pain and suffering.

Answer

Culture suppresses and eliminates all emotional experiences, making us emotionally numb.

Question 58

Highlight the importance of cultural awareness.

Accepted Answer

Cultural awareness enables us to effectively communicate, interact, and build relationships with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, promoting understanding and reducing misunderstandings.

Answer

Cultural awareness makes us superior to individuals from other cultures, justifying our own cultural practices.

Answer

Cultural awareness guarantees that we will never make any cultural mistakes or offend others.

Question 59

Suggest strategies to promote cultural understanding.

Accepted Answer

Education, travel, and open-mindedness are effective ways to foster cultural understanding, as they expose us to different perspectives, break down stereotypes, and promote empathy.

Answer

Isolating ourselves from other cultures and limiting our interactions.

Answer

Judging and criticizing other cultures based on our own cultural values and beliefs.

Answer

Avoiding all contact with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.