Culture and Universality in Psychology

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Questions and Answers

According to dual inheritance theory, what role does cultural learning play in human adaptation?

It serves only to complicate genetic adaptation by introducing maladaptive cultural traits.
It provides a secondary adaptive system that allows for the accumulation and transmission of beneficial knowledge and practices. (correct)
It primarily reinforces genetically determined behaviors, limiting the scope of adaptation.
It functions independently of genetic evolution, offering an alternative pathway for adaptation.

In the context of the Standard Social Science Model (SSSM) of evolutionary theories, how does a high-risk environment influence reproductive strategies?

It encourages reproductive strategies focused on investing heavily in the well-being of a smaller number of offspring.
It has no influence on reproductive strategies, as these are solely determined by genetic factors.
It promotes reproductive strategies that favor current reproductive success. (correct)
It leads to reproductive strategies that prioritize long-term mate selection.

What is a key distinction between evoked culture and transmitted culture, as defined by the Standard Social Science Model (SSSM)?

Evoked culture is specific to human societies, while transmitted culture is observed across various animal species.
Evoked culture is primarily influenced by genetic predispositions, while transmitted culture is shaped by environmental factors.
Evoked culture arises from environment-dependent mental modules, whereas transmitted culture is learned through social interactions such as imitation. (correct)
Evoked culture involves the spread of cultural traits through technological advancements, while transmitted culture is passed down through oral traditions.

According to research, what factors influence whom humans choose to imitate?

Respected or successful people act as models, while content that is intrinsically interesting is more likely to be imitated . (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does culture influence genetic development, according to the principles of gene-culture co-evolution?

Culture creates selective pressures that can alter gene frequencies in a population over time. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher aims to study the impact of historical agricultural practices on modern gender roles within a community. Which methodological approach would BEST address the risk of 'just-so' stories when interpreting cultural effects?

Conducting a regression analysis using historical plough usage as an instrumental variable to predict current female labor force participation, controlling for other potential confounders. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the developmental niche framework, which of the following is the MOST direct manifestation of 'caretaker psychology' influencing a child's development?

The implicit theories held by parents about the nature of intelligence and the importance of effort in achieving success. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Researchers are studying the correlation between a specific cultural practice and a developmental outcome. What crucial consideration MUST they address before concluding a causal relationship?

Identifying and controlling for potential confounding variables that might explain the observed correlation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is observing mother-child interactions across different cultures. Which aspect of these interactions would provide the MOST insight into the cultural shaping of temperament?

The ways in which mothers respond to and interpret their child's behavioral inhibition. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A cross-cultural study reveals that Chinese parents attribute children's academic success primarily to effort, while American parents give more weight to innate ability. How does this difference in causal attribution MOST likely affect children's motivation and academic performance?

Chinese children are more likely to persist through academic challenges due to a stronger belief in the power of effort. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In France, the body is often viewed as a terrain that needs balance. Which of the following practices aligns with this cultural metaphor?

Focusing on rest and natural cures to strengthen the body's natural defenses. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A doctor in the United States is more likely to recommend surgery compared to a doctor in France. This difference primarily reflects what?

The cultural metaphor of the body as a machine in the United States. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following beliefs about the cause of illness aligns with a naïve understanding of disease prevalent in some parts of Africa as described in the content?

Diseases are caused by witches or supernatural forces. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Lactose intolerance is an example of innate biological variability that is connected to which mechanism?

Selection mechanisms related to historical diets and animal husbandry. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Increased amylase levels in the saliva of populations with a diet high in starch is an example of:

A selection mechanism showing biological adaptation to dietary habits. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the cultural practice of wearing shoes primarily influence foot shape, and what type of biological variability does this represent?

It alters foot structure over time, representing acquired variability. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main conclusion from the Whitehall study regarding socioeconomic status (SES) and mortality?

Lower SES is associated with a higher probability of death. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does not significantly contribute to the higher rates of obesity observed in some cultures?

Increased levels of physical activity and exercise. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to attachment theory, which combination of characteristics is MOST indicative of an insecure-avoidant attachment style?

High autonomy and low attachment. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher observes a higher prevalence of insecure-ambivalent attachment in a specific culture. Based on the information, which cultural emphasis is MOST likely influencing this attachment style?

Emphasis on social adjustment and interdependence. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of attachment theory, the 'secure base hypothesis' suggests that infants view their caregiver as a source of security. How does the provided information indicate cultural variations in the manifestation of this hypothesis?

The extent of exploration behavior from the secure base varies across cultures. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A child from the United States exhibits secure attachment. According to the provided information, what social and emotional outcomes are MOST likely associated with this attachment style?

Better social and emotional competence, and emotional openness. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does Baumrind's authoritative parenting style balance parental control and child autonomy?

High expectations with dialogue, consideration of child’s interests, and limited autonomy. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which parenting style from the options is characterized by warmth and protection, but a lack of active parenting responsibility?

Permissive (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the description of parenting styles in Asian cultures challenge Baumrind's original model?

Asian parenting combines authoritarian elements with implicit warmth, varying by child's age. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the central idea conveyed by Clifford Geertz's quote: 'we all begin with the natural equipment to live a thousand kinds of life but end having lived only one'?

Cultural experiences shape individuals, limiting their potential life paths. (C) Signup and view all the answers

The principles 'To weaken something, you need to strengthen it first' and 'To take something, you need to give it first' are reflective of what type of thinking?

Dialectical Thinking (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why are language and culture acquisition often associated with sensitive periods in development?

Skill acquisition is relatively easier during these periods compared to later in life. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key distinction between anorexia nervosa and self-starvation that suggests a culture-bound element in anorexia?

Self-starvation is primarily driven by a preoccupation with body image. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is comparing depression rates between the United States and China. Based on the information, what might they expect to find?

Lower rates of depression in China, potentially offset by a higher prevalence of neurasthenia. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does taijin kyoufushou (TKS) in East Asian cultures differ from general social anxiety disorder?

TKS involves a concern about how one's actions or attributes (e.g., body odor) might affect others, rather than a primary fear of personal embarrassment. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A psychiatrist in the UK observes a patient displaying a catatonic form of schizophrenia. Based on cultural variations in schizophrenia presentation, what might they infer?

This presentation might be more common in India than in the UK. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion can be inferred from the observation that patients with schizophrenia in less developed societies have a greater rate of recovery compared to those in more industrialized societies?

Social and environmental factors in less developed societies may offer protective benefits or reduced stressors. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A therapist who works with clients from both Western and East Asian backgrounds notices differing preferences for treatment approaches. What difference is the therapist most likely to observe?

Western patients prefer more active engagement and direct social support, while East Asian patients may benefit more from approaches that emphasize family and spirituality. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of mental health treatment, how does construing psychological disorders as a problem with one's spirituality or relationship with a higher power primarily influence the therapeutic approach?

It encourages integrating religious or spiritual practices into the healing process. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What therapeutic technique is central to Morita therapy, and how does it aim to address psychological distress?

Promoting acceptance of feelings and engaging in purposeful activities. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In countries with high relational mobility, what is the likely outcome regarding friendships and similarities?

People encounter more individuals and are more likely to find and connect with those sharing similarities. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following facial features is generally considered a universal aspect of physical attractiveness?

Clear complexion (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'what is beautiful is good' stereotype affect individuals who are perceived as attractive?

Attractive individuals often receive lighter sentences for offenses. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario might a lower waist-to-hip ratio in women have a diminished impact on well-being and social connectedness?

In a rural area with limited social interaction and mobility. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How might attractiveness impact social outcomes differently in the USA compared to Ghana?

In the USA, attractiveness is associated with more positive social outcomes, while in Ghana, it may lead to negative outcomes due to envy. (C) Signup and view all the answers

When evaluating attractive individuals, how do trait ascriptions differ between the USA and Ghana based on priming with independent or interdependent self-construals?

In the USA, attractive people are rated better, especially with independent-prime, while in Ghana, priming makes little difference. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference in what women and men report as important in a long-term relationship?

Good looks were reported as more important to men. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of mate selection preferences, how do men and women's reported attractions to 'brains' versus 'bodies' compare?

Women report more attraction to brains, whereas men report similar attraction, but slightly more to bodies. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Evoked Culture

Cultural practices arising from environment-dependent mental modules.

Transmitted Culture

Culture learned through imitation, modeling, and diffusion.