Anthropology and Psychology Theorists Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What role does the concept of conflicted conscience play in therapy?

It helps in resolving unconscious feelings that affect a patient's recovery.

How do sociologists view the impact of social structures on individuals?

Sociologists analyze how institutions like schools and media shape personal experiences and societal roles.

In what way does cognitive therapy consider mental states?

Cognitive therapy takes into account beliefs, motivations, and desires to understand and treat mental disorders.

What does paleoanthropology study and why is it significant?

Paleoanthropology studies human evolution through fossils, helping to understand our biological history. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of melanin in human skin?

Melanin acts as a natural sunscreen, protecting skin from harmful UV radiation. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the relationship between 'functional unity' and 'cultural materialism' as presented in the provided text. How might material needs influence the integration of different parts of a culture?

Functional unity suggests that a culture is an integrated whole with interconnected parts. Cultural materialism emphasizes the influence of material conditions (like climate, food, and geography) on a culture's development. Material needs, like food, clothing, and shelter, shape a culture's practices, beliefs, and social structures. These practices, in turn, become interconnected and influence each other, reinforcing functional unity. For example, a culture living in a harsh climate might develop specialized tools and techniques for hunting and gathering, which would necessitate certain social roles and divisions of labor. This interplay between material needs and cultural adaptation contributes to the integrated and cohesive nature of a culture. Signup and view all the answers

How might the concepts of 'universal functions' and 'postmodernism' create a challenge for anthropologists studying other cultures? Using an example, explain the potential conflict between objectivity and subjectivity in anthropological research.

'Universal functions' suggest that every part of a culture serves a purpose, while postmodernism questions the idea of objective truth, suggesting that our understanding of reality is shaped by our own perspectives. This creates a dilemma for anthropologists, as they strive to understand other cultures objectively but are ultimately limited by their own experiences and biases. For example, if an anthropologist studies a culture that practices ritualistic sacrifice, they might interpret it through their own ethical framework, potentially misinterpreting its underlying meaning. The anthropologist's own cultural background and beliefs can influence their understanding, making it difficult to achieve complete objectivity. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how 'classical conditioning' and 'operant conditioning' relate to the concept of 'behaviorism'. How do these principles contribute to understanding and changing human behavior?

Behaviorism focuses on understanding and changing human behavior through scientifically-proven methods. Classical conditioning, a type of learning involving pairing a neutral stimulus with a conditioned stimulus, and operant conditioning, which uses rewards and punishments to achieve desired behavior, are both key components of behaviorism. These principles are fundamental to understanding how behaviors are learned, and they provide a framework for developing interventions to modify behaviors. For instance, in therapy, classical conditioning can be used to help individuals unlearn negative associations, while operant conditioning can be used to reinforce desired behaviors and reduce unwanted ones. Signup and view all the answers

What critique does feminist theory offer towards traditional anthropological perspectives? How does it challenge the notion of cultural universality?

Feminist theory critiques traditional anthropological perspectives for often overlooking or minimizing the experiences and roles of women in different cultures. It challenges the notion of cultural universality by highlighting the differing experiences and power dynamics between men and women in various societies. By comparing cultures and analyzing gender roles, feminist theory sheds light on how power imbalances and social constructions of gender influence cultural practices and beliefs. It calls for a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of cultural diversity, recognizing that universal truths about cultures may not always apply universally to all members of those cultures. Signup and view all the answers

Compare and contrast the approaches of 'cultural materialism' and 'feminist theory' in understanding cultural phenomena. How might these perspectives lead to different interpretations of the same cultural practice?

While both cultural materialism and feminist theory offer valuable insights into cultural phenomena, they employ distinct approaches. Cultural materialism focuses on material conditions and their influence on cultural development, emphasizing the role of economic and environmental factors. Feminist theory, on the other hand, examines gender roles and power dynamics, highlighting how social constructions of gender shape cultural practices and beliefs. For example, a cultural practice like a specific division of labor could be interpreted by cultural materialism as being primarily driven by the availability of resources and the need for survival. Feminist theory, however, might focus on how this division of labor reinforces gender roles and power inequalities, perpetuating the subordination of women. These different perspectives provide complementary yet contrasting lenses for understanding the complexity and multifaceted nature of cultural practices. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of psychoanalysis in understanding human behavior?

Unlocking the unconscious mind. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Ego function in contrast to the Id within Freud's model of the mind?

The Ego operates on the reality principle, suppressing the Id's primal urges. Signup and view all the answers

What defense mechanism involves justifying unacceptable feelings with logical reasons?

Rationalization. Signup and view all the answers

In humanistic psychology, what role does the patient play in their recovery process?

The patient is very involved in recovery. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of defense mechanisms like repression and displacement?

To protect individuals from anxiety and unacceptable thoughts. Signup and view all the answers

How did Aaron Stern's approach in the Edith Experiment aim to demonstrate the role of environment in intelligence development?

He believed that teaching a child in a enriched environment using methods like flashcards and classical music could cultivate genius-level intellect. Signup and view all the answers

What does Oxana Malaya's experience illustrate about the effects of abnormal socialization on human behavior?

It shows that human behavior is significantly shaped by primary agents of socialization, and being raised in an environment devoid of human interaction leads to atypical development. Signup and view all the answers

What ethical concerns were raised by the Stanford prison experiment, and how did the roles assigned to participants affect their behavior?

The experiment faced criticism for psychological harm and lack of informed consent, while assigned roles caused participants to adopt extreme behaviors reflecting power dynamics. Signup and view all the answers

According to the theory of evolution, what role does natural selection play in the adaptation and survival of species?

Natural selection dictates that individuals with favorable variations are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to gradual adaptation of the population. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the Theory of Evolution, how does the concept of variations among individuals contribute to the process of evolution?

Variations among individuals create a pool of traits, and those that enhance survival are favored, ultimately contributing to evolutionary change over generations. Signup and view all the answers

According to Karl Marx, what is the primary driver of social change?

Class conflict. Signup and view all the answers

According to Dorothy Smith, what is the main issue for women in their relationship to their experiences?

Alienation. Signup and view all the answers

Max Weber's concept of rationalization focuses on what primary motivator of social actions?

Efficacy or benefit. Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of anthropology focuses on humans as a biological species?

Physical Anthropology. Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of psychology uses experimentation to understand and change human behaviour?

Behaviourism. Signup and view all the answers

How did Durkheim's study of suicide challenge purely individualistic explanations of behavior?

Durkheim showed that social factors, like integration and regulation, significantly influence suicide rates, rather than just individual issues. Signup and view all the answers

According to Parsons, what seemingly contradictory human motivations guide social behavior?

Parsons argued that people are driven by both self-interest and a desire for social cooperation and shared values. Signup and view all the answers

How does logotherapy, founded by Karl Rogers, differ from traditional psychotherapy?

Logotherapy emphasizes the search for meaning in life as the primary motivational force, rather than focusing on resolving past traumas. Signup and view all the answers

Why might Parsons' ideas on social evolution be considered controversial?

Parsons' ideas suggest that even negative aspects of society, such as discrimination, serve a purpose, which is controversial. Signup and view all the answers

In what way did Durkheim use the concept of 'social facts' to study society?

Durkheim used 'social facts,' such as values, norms, and social structures, to analyze how these external forces influence individual behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Sociology

The scientific study of how people interact within groups and societies. It examines the relationships between individuals and the social structures they form. Sociologists explore how institutions like schools, prisons, healthcare, and the media shape our lives and experiences.

Bipedalism

A major type of locomotion where an organism moves primarily on its two hind legs. This is a defining characteristic of humans, setting us apart from other primates.

Melanin

A pigment found in our skin that provides natural protection against harmful UV rays from the sun.

Paleoanthropology

The branch of anthropology that studies human evolution by analyzing fossil records and archaeological evidence.