Questions and Answers
What broad distinction can be made between most animal behavior and most human behavior?
Most animals survive off of instincts while an infant won't get very far on instincts alone.
How does culture affect social behavior?
Culture helps people make their decisions on what they do and don't do, what they like and dislike, what they believe and don't believe, and what they value and discount.
How does heredity affect social behavior?
Social behavior is about half of your personality traits being determined by your genetic makeup and the other half by environmental factors.
How are language and culture related?
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What are the essential components of culture?
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How does cultural diversity arise within a society?
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What is the role of ethnocentrism in society?
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What similarities can be found in cultures around the world?
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Why is culture more important than instinct in determining human behavior?
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How do sociobiologists view human behavior?
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What can be learned about a culture by studying its language and vocabulary?
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How can language change a person's perception of the world?
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How do norms affect the way we live our lives?
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What benefits are to be gained by studying cultures other than one's own?
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Distinguish among the three basic types of norms.
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How is conformity to norms learned and accepted?
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Why are values important?
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How is material culture related to nonmaterial culture?
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How have basic values changed in the US over the past 20 years?
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Study Notes
Animal vs. Human Behavior
- Instincts predominantly guide animal behavior, whereas human infants rely on learning and socialization for survival.
Influence of Culture on Social Behavior
- Culture shapes decision-making processes, preferences, beliefs, and values, guiding what individuals consider important or trivial.
Heredity and Social Behavior
- Approximately half of personality traits result from genetic factors, while the other half stems from environmental influences.
Language and Culture Connection
- Language is a fundamental tool for the creation and expression of culture.
Components of Culture
- Essential cultural components include knowledge, language, values, customs, and physical artifacts, which are transmitted through generations.
Cultural Diversity
- Cultural diversity arises when specific groups within a society exhibit differences from the dominant culture in various aspects.
Role of Ethnocentrism
- Ethnocentrism involves viewing one's own culture as superior, impacting social interactions and perceptions between different cultural groups.
Global Cultural Similarities
- Commonalities in cultures worldwide include sports, culinary practices, labor division, education, etiquette, family structures, governance, hospitality, housing, and humor.
Culture versus Instinct
- Culture is more significant than instincts in determining behaviors, as it necessitates the development of unique thought processes, emotions, and actions.
Sociobiological Perspective
- Sociobiologists assert that behaviors that enhance survival are biologically rooted and encoded in genetics.
Language and Cultural Insights
- Analyzing a culture's language reveals what is significant to its members, reflected in the abundance of vocabulary related to those aspects.
Perception and Language
- Language differences between cultures can significantly shape members' perceptions and experiences of the world.
Norms and Daily Life
- Norms define acceptable and unacceptable behaviors, influencing societal conduct and interactions.
Benefits of Studying Other Cultures
- Studying diverse cultures enhances understanding and appreciation of different behaviors and practices, fostering diversity.
Types of Norms
- Three fundamental types of norms include Folkways (informal norms), Mores (moral norms), and Laws (formalized norms).
Learning Conformity to Norms
- Sanctions, both positive and negative, facilitate the acceptance and adherence to social norms.
Importance of Values
- Values play a critical role as they underpin norms, thereby influencing social behavior.
Material and Nonmaterial Culture
- Material culture (physical objects) and nonmaterial culture (values, beliefs) coexist and influence each other within a society.
Changing Values in the US
- Over the past two decades, shifts in basic values have emerged in the US, including reduced racism and evolving attitudes toward work ethics.
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Description
Explore the key concepts of Sociology Chapter 3 focusing on animal and human behavior distinctions and the impact of culture on social behavior. This study guide flashcard set will enhance your understanding of foundational sociological principles and their applications in everyday life.
