Question 1

Explain the differences between Worldviews, Values, and Norms. Use examples.

Accepted Answer

Worldviews, values, and norms are all important components of a culture or society, but they each have distinct meanings and functions.

Worldviews refer to the overall perspective or belief system that a person or group holds about the world and their place in it. This includes their understanding of the nature of reality, the purpose of life, and their beliefs about morality and ethics. Worldviews can be influenced by religion, philosophy, and cultural traditions. For example, in some indigenous cultures, the worldview may be centered around a deep connection to nature and the belief that all living things are interconnected.

Values are the principles or standards that a person or society considers to be important and desirable. These can include beliefs about what is right or wrong, good or bad, and what is worth pursuing in life. Values can vary widely between different cultures and can also change over time. For example, in Western societies, individualism and personal achievement are often highly valued, while in some Eastern cultures, collectivism and harmony within the community may be more important.

Norms are the rules or expectations that guide behavior within a society. These can include both formal laws and informal social customs. Norms help to maintain order and cohesion within a group, and they can also reflect the values and worldview of that society. For example, in some cultures, it may be considered rude to make direct eye contact during a conversation, while in others, it may be a sign of respect.

In summary, worldviews are the overarching belief systems, values are the principles and standards that are important to a society, and norms are the rules and expectations that guide behavior. Together, these elements shape the culture and identity of a group or society.

Question 2

Norms are an integral part of the social fabric. Identify two of your Norms and describe when you noticed that those norms are not the same for everyone.

Accepted Answer

One of my norms is punctuality. I was raised to believe that being on time is a sign of respect and responsibility. However, I have noticed that not everyone shares this norm. For example, I have friends who are consistently late to our meetups, which can be frustrating for me.

Another norm of mine is the importance of honesty. I believe in being truthful and transparent in my interactions with others. However, I have encountered individuals who are more comfortable with bending the truth or withholding information in certain situations. This difference in norms has led to misunderstandings and conflicts in some of my relationships.

Question 3

What is the difference between Monolithic and Reflexive Forces when discussing various perspectives on the connection between culture and communication? With which do you most identify.

Accepted Answer

Monolithic forces refer to the idea that culture is a fixed, unchanging entity that shapes communication in a uniform way. This perspective sees culture as a single, dominant force that determines how individuals communicate within a society. On the other hand, reflexive forces suggest that culture is dynamic and constantly evolving, influenced by individual experiences and interactions. This perspective emphasizes the role of agency and personal choice in shaping communication within a cultural context.

I most identify with the reflexive forces perspective. I believe that culture is not a static, monolithic force, but rather a fluid and adaptable entity that is shaped by individual experiences and interactions. I see communication as a reflection of this dynamic cultural landscape, influenced by personal agency and the ability to adapt and change within different cultural contexts.

Question 4

How do you respond when you encounter someone with communication that reflects different Worldviews, Values, or Norms than your own? Has your response changed since learning more about these cultural communication influences?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How do you respond when you encounter...

Question 5

What two characteristics identify a Norm as "important?" Give examples of those two characteristics.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What two characteristics identify a Norm as...

Question 6

What are the three levels of Values and how do those levels contribute to cultural influence on communication?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the three levels of Values...

Question 7

Are there people in your life who have a seemingly different use of time than your own? Use the terms Monochronic and Polychronic to describe your interactions, and be sure to explain what each term means.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Are there people in your life who...

Question 8

Are there specific contexts in which you prefer a large amount of personal space? Other contexts where you require less personal space? Use the terms associated with Proximity to discuss those differences, and identify any situations where you notice violations of Proximity norms.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Are there specific contexts in which you...

Question 9

If I am _________________ oriented, I pay attention to time and schedules.

Accepted Answer

The answer of If I am _________________ oriented, I pay...

Question 10

People who see Language as _______________ tend to count on language to be direct and precise.

Accepted Answer

The answer of People who see Language as _______________ tend...

Question 11

If I tend to hold a Worldview of ______________ I see no need to have a person standing at a fruit stand to collect money. People will do the "right" thing and leave the correct amount of money on the "honor system."

Accepted Answer

The answer of If I tend to hold a Worldview...

Question 12

Which is not one of the questions answered by a worldview discussed in the text?
A) How should society be organized?
B) What should I eat tonight?
C) What is our relationship with nature?
D) Who am I?

Accepted Answer

The worldview discussed in the text focuses on the big, fundamental questions about life and existence, such as how society should be organized, what our relationship with nature is, and who we are. It does not address mundane, everyday decisions such as what to eat for dinner.

Question 13

The ideas that people are born into their appropriate station in life and that they should not try to change this is referred to as:
A) High Context
B) Hierarchical
C) Monochronic
D) Ascription

Accepted Answer

The idea that people are born into their appropriate station in life and that they should not try to change this is referred to as ascription. Ascription is the belief that one's social position is determined by factors such as race, gender, or family wealth, rather than individual merit or effort.

Question 14

What is the relationship between culture and communication?
A) Causal
B) Monolithic
C) Reflexive
D) Informal

Accepted Answer

Culture and communication have a reflexive relationship, meaning that they both shape and influence each other. Culture provides the framework and context for communication, while communication also reinforces and shapes culture. The way people communicate reflects their cultural values, norms, and beliefs, while also reinforcing them. Thus, culture and communication are mutually reinforcing and interdependent. A causal relationship implies that one causes the other, which is not necessarily true in this case. Monolithic and informal are not appropriate descriptors of the relationship between culture and communication.

Question 15

Collectivism refers to a worldview that:
A) Focuses on one's relationships.
B) Values personal empowerment.
C) Values gathering as many goods as possible.
D) Focuses on debt to nature.

Accepted Answer

Collectivism is a worldview that prioritizes the collective over the individual, meaning that relationships and the community are valued more highly. It is often associated with ideas such as socialism or communism, where resources and wealth are shared among the community rather than individuals hoarding them for personal gain. It does not necessarily involve gaining as many goods as possible or focusing on debt to nature.

Question 16

If I have an egalitarian view of the world, I believe:
A) Nature must always be protected.
B) That no human is fundamentally better than another.
C) It is important to always have a clear leader.
D) Humans are basically good and that will never change.

Accepted Answer

Egalitarianism is the belief in equality among all people, and therefore, the idea that no one is fundamentally better than another fits with this belief. Options A, C, and D are not necessarily related to an egalitarian view of the world.

Question 17

The text defines norms as:
A) The way the world typically is.
B) A belief about what is important in the world.
C) Consistent across all contexts.
D) Social rules for what people should and should not do.

Accepted Answer

Norms are social rules that guide behavior in a particular context. They dictate what people should and should not do, and they can vary across different cultures and situations. Therefore, option D is the best choice as it defines norms accurately.

Question 18

Norms are the most abstract of the three: worldviews, values, and norms.

Accepted Answer

Worldviews are the most abstract, as they encompass broad perspectives on how people see the world, while norms are more specific guidelines for behavior within a society.

Question 19

Worldviews are mostly conscious choices about how we communicate with others.

Accepted Answer

Worldviews are not just conscious choices about communication, but are broader beliefs and values that shape how we perceive and interact with the world around us.

Question 20

Norms and Values are most noticed when they are violated.

Accepted Answer

When norms and values are violated, it attracts attention and often results in repercussions or consequences, such as criticism or punishment. As a result, their importance becomes more evident and noticeable.

Quiz 2: What Is the Relationship Between Communication and Culture