African Psychology: Principles and Values

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Questions and Answers

According to the first definition, what is African psychology particularly concerned with?

Ignoring indigenous knowledge for modern problem-solving strategies.

Creating psychological knowledge rooted in the culture, history, and contemporary life of Africa. (correct)

Focusing solely on the spiritual aspects of the African diaspora.

Promoting Western psychological theories within African communities.

According to Obasi and Smith, African psychology aligns with Western materialism.

False (B)

What does the first definition highlight as a crucial aspect of African psychology in relation to the African diaspora?

Connecting with roots and unique problem-solving.

According to Obasi and Smith, African psychology is a dynamic manifestation of unifying African principles, values, and ________.

traditions Signup and view all the answers

Match the concept with its correct description, according to the provided definitions of African Psychology:

First Definition = Focuses on the multicultural realities and unique traditions of African people and the African diaspora, viewing life through an African lens. Second Definition (Obasi & Smith) = Highlights African principles, values, and traditions. Rejects Western materialism in favour of a spirit-based ontological system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of limiting the influence of Western psychology in defining African psychology, according to the introduction?

To ensure the definition reflects the uniqueness and complexities of African realities. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Scholars universally agree that defining African psychology should heavily incorporate Western psychological principles.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What key component does the definition by Obasi and Smith (2009) add to the understanding of African psychology?

A spirit-based ontological system Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the indigenous communities' belief regarding the interaction between people, nature, and animals?

Reciprocal interaction ensures the survival of the planet and people. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In indigenous communities, a clan consists only of people related by kinship.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key aspect of Oppong's (2017) view on indigenous psychology?

Implementing research methodologies that are universally applicable. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to Matoane (2012), proponents of indigenous psychology believe culture has a minor role in shaping human behavior.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of cognitive learning within a clan, according to the content?

Development and improvement of reasoning, often referred to as common sense or native intelligence Signup and view all the answers

According to Kim & Berry (1993) and Kim et al. (2006), what capacity do the values, attitudes, and beliefs of native people have?

Influence human behaviour Signup and view all the answers

Within a clan, knowledge of acceptable behaviors is taught with ______ .

passion Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of behavioral development within a clan?

To develop thoughts, words, and actions that ensure respect in interactions with people, nature, and animals. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Adair (1999) describes indigenous psychology as a growing acknowledgement of the limitations of ________ models.

Western Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of learning with its focus:

Cognitive Learning = Improvement of reasoning and common sense Affective Learning = Development of emotional display and empathy Psychological Learning = Understanding the importance of nature and environment Signup and view all the answers

Match the following definitions with the psychologists who proposed them:

Sinha (1997) = Indigenous psychology reflects the knowledge, philosophies, and culture of people based on their region and roots. Kim & Berry (1993) = Indigenous psychology encompasses the values, attitudes, and beliefs of native people that influence human behavior. Adair (1999) = Indigenous psychology involves problem-oriented research on national concerns, driven by indigenous traditions. Allwood (2018) = Indigenous psychology is grounded in the conditions of the researcher’s own society and culture. Signup and view all the answers

What skills are taught in psychological learning within a clan?

Skills such as how to protect and preserve the clan, that is, people, nature,the environment and animals. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the BEST summary of indigenous psychology?

Context-relevant psychology guided by local philosophies and cultural practices. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Indigenous psychology focuses primarily on theories and concepts developed outside of people’s lived experiences.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, knowledge of how to put what is taught into practice is evaluated in ______ that mark clan members' transition into adulthood.

rituals Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic aligns with the principles of indigenous psychology?

Being conscious of people's realities and their functioning in specific contexts. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a primary method used by religious leaders to pass on wisdom?

Scientific treatises (B) Signup and view all the answers

Functionalism, as described in the content, was a formal school of thought.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of psychological preparation within the clan structure concerning the younger generation?

To prepare them for a life of service to the clan Signup and view all the answers

Emphasis was placed on understanding weather and soil conditions to ensure ______ for the next farming season.

Preservation Signup and view all the answers

Match the following activities with their intended psychological value within the clan:

Dancing and Drumming = Increased socialization and community bonding Wrestling and Racing = Promotion of unity among different clans and individuals Storytelling = Development of cognitive, communication, and behavioral skills Occupation orientation = Participation in clan's protection, economic, political, spiritual and moral activities Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological attribute was NOT greatly emphasized in clan and family life?

Arrogance (B) Signup and view all the answers

Idleness was encouraged within the clan structure to allow for individual creativity and exploration.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Besides farming, name one other practical occupation mentioned that was part of psychological learning in the clan.

Carving, Cooking, Knitting, Pottery, Tying and dyeing, Weaving, Fishing (any one of these) Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic was most emphasised when nurturing the sick within a clan?

Ensuring the sick were not lonely through consistent caregiving. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In traditional clans, emotional expression was viewed as completely separate from emotional control.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What might occur if someone in a traditional clan failed to display emotional control in public and private life?

exclusion from society Signup and view all the answers

The ability to suppress emotions in traditional communities symbolized emotional and amid life’s challenges.

strength, resilience Signup and view all the answers

In the case study of Sifiso, what was the primary reason for his father's anger?

Sifiso broke the clay plate and delayed the food delivery. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods was used to enforce emotional control within the clan structures?

Clan praises, calming songs, and traditional instruments. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, emotional suppression was discouraged in traditional communities.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Match the following actions with their cultural significance within the clan context:

Nurturing the sick = Demonstrates empathy and ensures the sick are not lonely Emotional control = Indicates strength and resilience in interactions. Clan members acting in unison = Displays empowerment Beating of musical instruments = Strengthens emotional expression and control Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a primary characteristic that defines clanship, according to the text?

Economic status (C) Signup and view all the answers

Clan leaders believed that maintaining the existing thinking processes and behavioral patterns, without any alteration, would best assure the clan's continued existence.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary emphasis in the teachings aimed at fostering a sense of unity and togetherness within a clan?

protection of the clan, nature, and animals Signup and view all the answers

Clan members were taught that the extinction of one element within their ecosystem would make other elements _________.

vulnerable Signup and view all the answers

The curriculum for young clan members often included teachings on all EXCEPT which of the following areas?

Financial investments (C) Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

Clanship = Characterized by lifestyle, rituals, traditions, and customs unique to a clan. Clan-centered system = Promotes a mindset of clan safety and unity. Cognitive-centered perspective = Enables mental and physical reasoning through historical narratives and relics. Signup and view all the answers

According to the information, what would be considered a threat to clan existence?

Undermining animals or nature (A) Signup and view all the answers

Reasoning and common sense development are achieved through what means?

Integrated experiences gained through intellectual and physical training. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Ubuntu

A philosophy emphasizing communal relationships and interconnectedness in African culture.

Clan

A group of people connected by kinship, nature, and shared environment.