Week 7+8 Lecture Slides Test Bank PDF

**1. Which of the following best describes the Maisin belief about spirits?**\ A. Spirits exist but are largely uninvolved in daily life.\ B. Supernatural encounters are automatically accepted as real.\ C. Spirits and humans share the same physical space.\ D. Spirits influence only major life events...

**1. Which of the following best describes the Maisin belief about spirits?**\ A. Spirits exist but are largely uninvolved in daily life.\ B. Supernatural encounters are automatically accepted as real.\ C. Spirits and humans share the same physical space.\ D. Spirits influence only major life events.\ E. Industrialized societies have a similar understanding of the supernatural.\ **Correct Answer: C**\ *Explanation: The Maisin assume humans and spirits coexist in the same physical space, a perspective fundamentally different from the Western notion of distant, uninvolved spiritual entities.* **2. Guy Swanson argued that supernatural ideas are derived from...**\ A. Sacred texts that detail divine origins.\ B. Observations of unexplained natural events.\ C. Social relationships and human interactions.\ D. Rituals that reinforce communal bonds.\ E. Myths passed down through generations.\ **Correct Answer: C**\ *Explanation: Swanson's theory posits that supernatural ideas emerge from people\'s experiences with social interactions, which inherently contain elements resembling supernatural characteristics.* **3. The \"toast falling jam-side down\" example illustrates which concept?**\ A. The inevitability of bad luck.\ B. A mystical explanation for misfortune.\ C. Subjective interpretations of misfortune.\ D. The scientific basis for everyday mishaps.\ E. A metaphor for reciprocity in myth.\ **Correct Answer: C**\ *Explanation: This example demonstrates that what seems like misfortune (toast falling jam-side down) is subjective, as one person\'s \"bad luck\" can differ from another's interpretation.* **4. Which of the following distinguishes a myth from a legend or folktale?**\ A. Myths are set in the recent past and are sacred.\ B. Myths are viewed as fictional accounts.\ C. Myths primarily feature human characters.\ D. Myths are seen as factual and occur in a sacred \"other\" world.\ E. Myths are contemporary narratives about human achievement.\ **Correct Answer: D**\ *Explanation: Myths are perceived as factual, set in a sacred \"other\" world, and involve non-human principal characters, distinguishing them from legends and folktales.* **5. In the Nuxalk story of \"Raven and Seal,\" what theme is most emphasized?**\ A. Divine justice.\ B. Reciprocity and its consequences.\ C. The inevitability of fate.\ D. The sacred power of nature.\ E. Individual heroism.\ **Correct Answer: B**\ *Explanation: The story highlights themes of reciprocity and trickery, demonstrating the consequences of deceit when Raven\'s attempt to replicate Seal's process fails.* **6. What characteristic defines rituals, according to anthropological studies?**\ A. They are always sacred.\ B. They involve unpredictable behavior.\ C. They provide control and reduce anxiety during uncertainty.\ D. They are spontaneous and unstructured.\ E. They lack any connection to stress or solidarity.\ **Correct Answer: C**\ *Explanation: Rituals are repetitive, structured practices that create a sense of control and alleviate anxiety, even in uncertain or stressful situations.* **7. Why do the Maisin enforce specific rules during tapa-making rituals?**\ A. To ensure the quality of the fabric.\ B. To prevent spiritual contamination of the materials.\ C. To demonstrate social hierarchy and roles.\ D. To honor ancestral spirits involved in tapa-making.\ E. To prevent illness associated with spiritual imbalances.\ **Correct Answer: B**\ *Explanation: Specific rules, such as barring men and children, are tied to beliefs about spiritual contamination affecting the dye and causing illness.* **8. What is an example of sympathetic magic in prehistoric contexts?**\ A. Religious prayers for good harvests.\ B. Depicting hunting scenes to ensure success.\ C. Offering sacrifices to a deity.\ D. Carving protective amulets.\ E. Performing dances for rain.\ **Correct Answer: B**\ *Explanation: Sympathetic magic is illustrated by the Cova dels Cavalls paintings, where prehistoric images of hunting symbolized the capture of prey to ensure success.* **9. George Gmelch's study of baseball magic shows that athletes perform rituals primarily to...**\ A. Demonstrate their skill.\ B. Increase their strength.\ C. Alleviate anxiety during uncertain moments.\ D. Connect with their teammates spiritually.\ E. Mock traditional beliefs.\ **Correct Answer: C**\ *Explanation: Athletes engage in rituals to reduce anxiety and create a sense of control during high-pressure situations, such as games.* **33. Which substances are classified as euphorica?**\ A. Alcoholic beverages used for relaxation.\ B. Sedatives like kava used for calmness.\ C. Stimulants like betel nut inducing social bonding.\ D. Visionary substances like peyote for spiritual journeys.\ E. Substances like ayahuasca that provide spiritual insight.\ **Correct Answer: E**\ *Explanation: Euphorica substances, such as ayahuasca, are used to gain spiritual insight and often involve profound emotional or physical experiences.* **10. Why do Trobriand Islanders use magic during deep-sea fishing but not lagoon fishing?**\ A. Deep-sea fishing is inherently riskier and less predictable.\ B. Lagoon fishing is considered spiritually pure.\ C. They believe spirits favor shallow waters.\ D. Rituals are unnecessary for unimportant tasks.\ E. Lagoon fishing is forbidden to shamans.\ **Correct Answer: A**\ *Explanation: Magic is employed during deep-sea fishing to provide a sense of control over the uncertain and risky conditions, unlike predictable lagoon fishing.* **11. According to the Maisin, supernatural encounters are critically assessed by...**\ A. Seeking approval from religious leaders.\ B. Comparing the encounter to traditional myths.\ C. Rejecting claims deemed unrealistic.\ D. Attributing all encounters to spirits.\ E. Consulting written records of past events.\ **Correct Answer: C**\ *Explanation: The Maisin critically evaluate supernatural claims and reject those deemed unrealistic, showing a pragmatic approach to their beliefs.* **34. Navajo witchcraft beliefs include which of the following practices?**\ A. Rituals to honor Skinwalkers as sacred beings.\ B. Worship of ancestors to avoid illness.\ C. Suppression of storytelling to maintain secrecy.\ D. Avoidance of traditional crafts to prevent harm.\ E. Avoiding photography to prevent sympathetic magic.\ **Correct Answer: E**\ *Explanation: Traditional Navajo beliefs include avoiding photography, as it is thought to enable sympathetic magic, which could cause harm.* **12. How do industrialized societies differ from the Maisin regarding spiritual matters?**\ A. Industrialized societies view spirits as constantly present.\ B. The Maisin deny the existence of spirits entirely.\ C. Industrialized societies often ignore or deny spiritual matters.\ D. The Maisin attribute all life events to spiritual intervention.\ E. Industrialized societies believe spirits guide all decisions.\ **Correct Answer: C**\ *Explanation: In contrast to the Maisin's integration of spirits into daily life, industrialized societies often treat spiritual matters as irrelevant or nonexistent.* **13. What distinguishes a legend from a myth?**\ A. Legends are always considered fictional.\ B. Legends occur in today's world and involve human characters.\ C. Legends always take place in a sacred \"other\" world.\ D. Legends have no connection to historical events.\ E. Legends feature supernatural beings as primary characters.\ **Correct Answer: B**\ *Explanation: Legends are considered factual, occur in today's world, and involve human characters, whereas myths are set in a sacred \"other\" world.* **31. The Trobriand Islanders' use of magic during deep-sea fishing but not lagoon fishing highlights...**\ A. The rejection of modern fishing techniques.\ B. The belief that spirits inhabit deep waters.\ C. The separation of sacred and secular fishing practices.\ D. The prioritization of economic survival over spiritual beliefs.\ E. The application of magic to high-risk, uncertain activities.\ **Correct Answer: E**\ *Explanation: Magic is reserved for high-risk activities like deep-sea fishing, emphasizing its role in addressing uncertainty and danger.* **14. The Nuxalk story of \"Raven and Seal\" exemplifies the concept of...**\ A. Divine retribution.\ B. Hierarchical social roles.\ C. Trickery and its repercussions.\ D. The sanctity of nature.\ E. Unconditional generosity.\ **Correct Answer: C**\ *Explanation: The story demonstrates trickery, reciprocity, and the consequences of deceit when Raven fails to replicate Seal's process.* **15. The Windigo is described as having which of the following characteristics?**\ A. A glowing, ethereal presence with a calming voice.\ B. A skeletal frame, ash-gray skin, and a smell of decay.\ C. Large, glowing eyes and a golden aura.\ D. A fiery appearance and an intimidating roar.\ E. A humanoid form with animal features and no physical scent.\ **Correct Answer: B**\ *Explanation: The Windigo is described as a skeletal figure with ash-gray skin, bloody lips, and a smell of decay and death, symbolizing cannibalistic hunger.* **16. How do rituals promote resilience during stressful times?**\ A. By encouraging impulsive and spontaneous behavior.\ B. By connecting participants with divine entities.\ C. By creating a sense of order and predictability.\ D. By demanding absolute adherence to tradition.\ E. By focusing solely on practical outcomes.\ **Correct Answer: C**\ *Explanation: Rituals promote resilience by establishing order and predictability, which alleviates anxiety and fosters solidarity during challenging situations.* **17. Which is an example of a Maisin ritual related to tapa-making?**\ A. Only men are allowed to apply the dye.\ B. Sexual abstinence is required before dye application.\ C. Animals must be present during the ritual.\ D. Participants chant specific prayers to spirits.\ E. Violations are punished with banishment.\ **Correct Answer: B**\ *Explanation: Maisin women abstain from sexual activity before applying red dye, reflecting the spiritual significance and rules of tapa-making rituals.* **32. What characterizes altered states in Vodoun possession rituals?**\ A. The suppression of individual identities.\ B. The absence of physical transformation.\ C. The clear separation between the physical and spiritual.\ D. The elimination of group participation.\ E. The merging of physical and spiritual experiences.\ **Correct Answer: E**\ *Explanation: Vodoun rituals merge physical and spiritual experiences, symbolizing unity with divine forces through possession and extraordinary actions.* **18. What does sympathetic magic rely on?**\ A. Direct communication with spiritual beings.\ B. The physical resemblance or symbolic connection between objects.\ C. Ritual sacrifices to appease gods.\ D. A deep understanding of natural science.\ E. The precise recitation of ancient texts.\ **Correct Answer: B**\ *Explanation: Sympathetic magic relies on the principle that objects resembling or symbolizing each other can influence one another, as seen in prehistoric hunting scenes.* **19. Why did shamans likely use Cova dels Cavalls paintings?**\ A. To decorate sacred caves.\ B. To preserve the history of their community.\ C. To invoke spiritual favor during rituals.\ D. To teach children about hunting techniques.\ E. To honor the spirits of deceased ancestors.\ **Correct Answer: C**\ *Explanation: Shamans used these paintings during rituals to invoke supernatural favor, reinforce social hierarchies, and bond their communities.* **35. The concept of hozho in Navajo culture emphasizes...**\ A. The inevitability of chaos and disorder.\ B. Absolute obedience to spiritual leaders.\ C. Isolation from external cultural influences.\ D. The rejection of traditional spiritual practices.\ E. The maintenance of harmony and balance.\ **Correct Answer: E**\ *Explanation: Hozho represents the Navajo focus on maintaining harmony and balance, which is crucial for protection against witchcraft and misfortune.* **20. What does George Gmelch's \"Baseball Magic\" study reveal about rituals?**\ A. Rituals guarantee success in uncertain situations.\ B. Athletes create rituals based on ancient spiritual practices.\ C. Rituals offer psychological comfort in high-pressure scenarios.\ D. Rituals have no impact on performance.\ E. Rituals always involve supernatural beliefs.\ **Correct Answer: C**\ *Explanation: Gmelch's study shows that rituals help athletes feel more in control and reduce anxiety in unpredictable situations, like high-stakes games.* **21. What role do altered states of consciousness play in Vodoun possession rituals?**\ A. They symbolize physical separation from spirits.\ B. They enable spirits to directly interact with humans.\ C. They replace traditional forms of communication.\ D. They emphasize individual control over spiritual forces.\ E. They suppress physical abilities for spiritual insight.\ **Correct Answer: B**\ *Explanation: Altered states induced by drumming allow spirits (loa) to \"possess\" participants, enabling a symbolic and physical connection with the divine.* **22. Which category of substance includes stimulants like betel nut?**\ A. Euphorica.\ B. Phantastica.\ C. Hypnotica.\ D. Excitania.\ E. Inebriantia.\ **Correct Answer: D**\ *Explanation: Excitania substances, such as betel nut, induce mild euphoria and facilitate social bonding through their stimulating effects.* **23. In shamanic practices, illnesses are often seen as...**\ A. Failures of the immune system.\ B. Punishments from gods.\ C. Disruptions of spiritual balance.\ D. Accidental consequences of daily life.\ E. Incurable by non-spiritual means.\ **Correct Answer: C**\ *Explanation: Shamans view illness as a disruption of spiritual balance, addressing it through rituals and medicinal practices that restore harmony.* **24. What distinguishes folktales from myths and legends?**\ A. Folktales always have non-human characters.\ B. Folktales are exclusively secular and sacred.\ C. Folktales focus on events in the distant past.\ D. Folktales depict divine intervention in human affairs.\ E. Folktales are viewed as fictional and can take place in any time or place.\ **Correct Answer: E**\ *Explanation: Folktales are considered fictional and can occur in any setting, contrasting myths and legends, which are viewed as factual and tied to specific temporal contexts.* **25. In the Nuxalk story of \"Raven and Seal,\" what does Raven's failure symbolize?**\ A. The inevitability of nature's dominance.\ B. The rejection of human ingenuity.\ C. The arbitrary power of spirits.\ D. The cyclical nature of reciprocity.\ E. The consequences of greed and deceit.\ **Correct Answer: E**\ *Explanation: Raven's failure to replicate Seal's process highlights the repercussions of greed and deceit, key themes in the story's moral lesson.* **26. According to Swanson, social relationships are connected to supernatural beliefs because...**\ A. They provide direct evidence of spiritual intervention.\ B. They are based on shared religious rituals.\ C. They emphasize the rational aspects of spiritual systems.\ D. They support the hierarchies of organized religions.\ E. They inherently contain qualities associated with the supernatural.\ **Correct Answer: E**\ *Explanation: Swanson theorized that social relationships naturally exhibit characteristics linked to supernatural beliefs, forming a basis for spiritual ideas.* **27. The story of the Windigo reflects which primary cultural concern?**\ A. The glorification of hunters and warriors.\ B. The idealization of familial loyalty.\ C. The inevitability of natural disasters.\ D. The transformative power of forgiveness.\ E. The consequences of greed and inhumanity.\ **Correct Answer: E**\ *Explanation: The Windigo story serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive effects of greed and inhumanity, emphasizing the cultural importance of morality.* **28. What is the significance of rituals in times of uncertainty?**\ A. They predict the outcome of unpredictable events.\ B. They provide a way to measure community participation.\ C. They create direct connections with supernatural forces.\ D. They transform chaos into structured belief systems.\ E. They offer an illusory sense of control and reduce anxiety.\ **Correct Answer: E**\ *Explanation: Rituals provide a sense of control and reduce anxiety by imposing structure and predictability, even when their effects may be symbolic rather than tangible.* **29. The Maisin\'s association of tapa-making with femininity illustrates...**\ A. The arbitrary assignment of gender roles.\ B. The exclusion of men from sacred spaces.\ C. The economic value of artisanal crafts.\ D. The influence of external cultural pressures.\ E. The connection between gender, spirituality, and social roles.\ **Correct Answer: E**\ *Explanation: The rituals surrounding tapa-making link femininity, spirituality, and social roles, demonstrating the integration of gender and spiritual practices in Maisin culture.* **30. Baseball players performing pre-game rituals are engaging in behavior that...**\ A. Demonstrates their belief in mystical forces.\ B. Results in objectively better performance.\ C. Fulfills mandatory team traditions.\ D. Establishes their dominance over competitors.\ E. Helps alleviate stress in high-stakes situations.\ **Correct Answer: E**\ *Explanation: These rituals help players manage stress and uncertainty, giving them a sense of control over unpredictable game outcomes.* **36. What does the Maisin belief in sorcery suggest about their approach to social misfortunes?**\ A. Misfortunes are considered random and inevitable.\ B. Social misfortunes are unrelated to spiritual forces.\ C. Sorcery is dismissed as outdated superstition.\ D. Rituals are performed only for large-scale events.\ **E. Misfortunes are linked to daa (mistakes) and disruptions of reciprocity.**\ **Correct Answer: A**\ *Explanation: The Maisin use sorcery as a framework to interpret social misfortunes as neither random nor inevitable but tied to mistakes and reciprocal failures.* **37. What key role does sorcery play in Maisin culture?**\ A. It is used exclusively to control nature.\ B. It enforces strict obedience to societal rules.\ C. It strengthens familial bonds during communal events.\ **D. It is seen as an act of divine intervention.**\ E. It provides explanations and solutions for misfortune.\ **Correct Answer: B**\ *Explanation: Sorcery enforces cultural norms by addressing perceived violations of reciprocity, thereby maintaining social harmony.* **38. Why do Navajo beliefs include the concept of Skinwalkers (Yee Naaldlooshii)?**\ A. To celebrate the spiritual power of animals.\ **B. To explain natural disasters within a cultural framework.**\ C. To justify the exclusion of outsiders from their communities.\ D. To reinforce economic practices tied to livestock.\ E. To explain illness or misfortune as caused by malevolent forces.\ **Correct Answer: B**\ *Explanation: The Skinwalker legend provides a cultural explanation for misfortunes, aligning with broader beliefs about supernatural intervention.* **39. What does the Maisin restriction on men entering tapa-making spaces signify?**\ A. An emphasis on the purity of natural materials.\ B. The avoidance of spiritual contamination by outsiders.\ C. The sacred nature of male gender roles.\ **D. A symbolic separation of economic and spiritual practices.**\ E. A link between spirituality, gender roles, and well-being.\ **Correct Answer: C**\ *Explanation: This restriction highlights cultural beliefs connecting spirituality and gender roles, emphasizing the sacred nature of feminine spaces.* **40. What distinguishes shamans from priests in anthropological studies?**\ A. Shamans exclusively perform rituals for agricultural success.\ B. Shamans rely entirely on written texts for spiritual guidance.\ C. Shamans are permanently associated with one religious institution.\ **D. Shamans only treat physical ailments, not spiritual ones.**\ E. Shamans address illness as a spiritual imbalance and use altered states to heal.\ **Correct Answer: D**\ *Explanation: Shamans are unique in their combination of spiritual and physical healing, differentiating them from priests and other healers.*