Question 1

The _____ perspective highlights the kinship that results from our shared human nature.

Accepted Answer

The evolutionary perspective emphasizes the biological and genetic factors that shape human behavior and how these universal factors contribute to our shared human nature. This perspective highlights the commonalities we share as a species and the kinship that results from these shared characteristics.

Question 2

Your family is anticipating the arrival of an exchange student from Latin America. Being a student of social psychology, you are aware that the student's preference for personal space will likely

Accepted Answer

In many Latin American cultures, people tend to prefer closer personal space compared to cultures in the United States or Northern Europe, where personal space is generally larger.

Question 3

Human kinship is to the _____ perspective as human diversity is to the _____ perspective.

Accepted Answer

The evolutionary perspective emphasizes genetic relatedness and the passing down of traits through family lines, making it closely related to the concept of kinship. On the other hand, cultural diversity emphasizes the unique differences among different groups of people, making it closely related to the cultural perspective. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

Question 4

Given the logic of evolutionary psychology, we can assume our distant ancestors preferred _____ foods.

Accepted Answer

The logic of evolutionary psychology suggests that our distant ancestors would have preferred nutritious and energy-providing foods as these would have been more beneficial for survival and reproduction. Sweet and salt flavors may have been desirable, but not necessarily preferred in all environments. Bitter and sour flavors may have been associated with poisonous foods and therefore avoided. Vegetarianism is a personal choice and not necessarily reflective of evolutionary preferences.

Question 5

Norms _____ "proper" behavior.

Accepted Answer

Norms prescribe "proper" behavior, meaning they dictate what is considered acceptable and expected within a particular social context.

Question 6

One of the most important similarities in humans is our capacity

Accepted Answer

While all four choices may be seen in humans, the most defining characteristic of our species is our capacity to learn and adapt. This ability has allowed us to create complex societies, technologies, and cultures, and has been a key factor in our success as a species.

Question 7

Zoe has lived in the United States all of her life, yet her Greek grandmother made sure that Zoe was fluent in the Greek language, so she would understand the Greek way of life. What has Zoe's grandmother passed on to her?

Accepted Answer

Zoe's grandmother has passed on the culture of Greece to her through the language, which includes customs, traditions, and way of life.

Question 8

Punctuality is one of the _____ of North American businesspeople.

Accepted Answer

Norms refer to the accepted behaviors and customs within a society or group. Punctuality is an expected norm in North American business culture. Attitudes refer to opinions or beliefs, schemes refer to plans or strategies, and dimensions refer to measurements or aspects.

Question 9

According to anthropologists, which of the following is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

Anthropologists generally believe that while there are cultural and individual variations, human beings have many fundamental similarities that transcend these differences. Therefore, the statement "We are more different than we are alike" is not true according to anthropologists.

Question 10

What cultural differences or similarities were found in the research on pedestrian interaction in the U.S. and Japan?

Accepted Answer

The research found that Americans were more likely to greet the research confederate who greeted them, while the Japanese were less likely to initiate interactions with strangers. This suggests a cultural difference in the importance of social norms and polite interactions with strangers in these two countries.

Question 11

The enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, and traditions shared by a large group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next are called

Accepted Answer

Culture refers to the shared patterns of behaviors, values, beliefs, and norms that are passed down from one generation to the next within a particular society or group. Beliefs, norms, and values are all aspects of culture, but culture encompasses a wider range of shared practices and traditions.

Question 12

As an exchange student, you notice that standards of beauty are much different in the country you are visiting. Billboards and advertisements display women that are not as thin as in the United States. You conclude that this difference in standards of beauty is the result of different

Accepted Answer

Standards of beauty are heavily influenced by cultural beliefs and values, so it makes sense that the difference in beauty standards is due to different cultures. Norms could also be a possible factor, but they are closely tied to cultural beliefs and practices. Language and climate are not likely to have a significant impact on beauty standards.

Question 13

Evolutionary psychologists study

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary psychologists study both physical and psychological traits from an evolutionary perspective. They examine how these traits have developed over time in order to understand why humans behave the way they do. This includes traits such as emotion, cognition, personality, and social behavior, as well as physical characteristics such as facial features, body shape, and other morphological traits.

Question 14

Those living _____ prefer more personal space than those living _____.

Accepted Answer

This is because people living closer to the equator tend to live in warmer climates and have a more communal lifestyle due to the need to cool off in groups. On the other hand, people living farther away from the equator tend to live in cooler climates and have a more individualistic lifestyle due to the need for warmth and protection from the elements.

Question 15

According to Baumeister, a "huge and powerful advantage of culture" is

Accepted Answer

Baumeister argues that the division of labor, which is a product of culture, provides a huge and powerful advantage to society. This allows individuals to specialize their skills, leading to increased efficiency and innovation in various fields. Genetic diversity and similarity may also play a role in evolutionary processes, but they are not specifically mentioned as advantages of culture in Baumeister's argument.

Question 16

The buffer zone we like to maintain around our bodies is called our

Accepted Answer

"Personal space" is the term commonly used to refer to the buffer zone we maintain around our bodies. While A, C, and D are all related to the concept, none of them is as commonly used or well-established as "personal space."

Question 17

In the context of norms, most Americans maintain a personal space between themselves and strangers of approximately

Accepted Answer

Most Americans maintain a personal space of approximately 4 feet or more between themselves and strangers. This is considered a cultural norm and varies from culture to culture.

Question 18

Which statement about norms is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Norms are definitely affected by culture. Culture shapes the values, beliefs, and attitudes of its members, which in turn influences the norms that are developed and enforced within the society.

Question 19

Rules for accepted and expected social behavior are called

Accepted Answer

Norms are the rules and expectations for behavior in society or a specific group, while values are the beliefs and principles that guide and shape behavior. Attitudes refer to individual feelings and opinions towards something, and ethics relate to moral principles and standards of conduct. Therefore, norms best fit the description of accepted and expected social behavior.

Question 20

Seven-year-old Mary says "Thank you" after opening each birthday present she receives because her family considers it to be proper behavior. This best illustrates the influence of a

Accepted Answer

A norm is a generally accepted rule or standard of behavior in a society. In this case, thanking people after receiving a gift is a norm that Mary's family has taught her to follow.

Quiz 5: Developing Through the Life Span