MIDTERM STUDY GUIDE

Question 1

Define Uncertainty

Answer 1

The state of being unsure or having doubt about something.

Uncertainty can affect decision-making and communication.

Question 2

What is Oversimplification?

Answer 2

Reducing a complex issue to a simple explanation, often ignoring nuances.

It can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations.

Question 3

What does Overgeneralization mean?

Answer 3

Making broad statements based on limited evidence.

This can result in stereotypes or inaccurate conclusions.

Question 4

Define Culture.

Answer 4

The shared beliefs, values, norms, and practices of a group.

Culture influences communication and social interaction.

Question 5

What is Communication?

Answer 5

The process of exchanging information, ideas, or feelings between individuals.

Effective communication is essential for understanding and cooperation.

Question 6

Define Morality.

Answer 6

A system of principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong.

Morality guides individual behavior and societal norms.

Question 7

What is Ethical egoism?

Answer 7

The ethical theory that suggests individuals should act in their own self-interest.

This perspective can conflict with altruistic values.

Question 8

Define the Utilitarian approach.

Answer 8

An ethical framework that evaluates actions based on their outcomes for the greatest good.

It emphasizes the consequences of actions.

Question 9

What is the Golden Mean Approach?

Answer 9

A concept that advocates for moderation and balance in ethical decision-making.

It seeks a middle ground between extremes.

Question 10

Define Dialogic Ethic.

Answer 10

An ethical approach that emphasizes dialogue and mutual understanding in moral considerations.

It promotes collaborative decision-making.

Question 11

What does Axiology study?

Answer 11

The study of values and value judgments.

Axiology examines what is considered good or valuable in society.

Question 12

Define Ontology.

Answer 12

The philosophical study of the nature of being, existence, or reality.

It explores concepts of what entities exist.

Question 13

What is Epistemology?

Answer 13

The study of knowledge, its nature, sources, and limits.

Epistemology addresses questions about belief and justification.

Question 14

Define Hegemony.

Answer 14

Dominance of one group over others, often maintained through cultural means.

Hegemony can shape societal norms and values.

Question 15

What is High culture?

Answer 15

Cultural products and activities that are associated with the elite or upper class.

Examples include fine arts, classical music, and literature.

Question 16

Define Symbol.

Answer 16

An object, word, or action that represents a larger concept or idea.

Symbols are crucial in communication and cultural expression.

Question 17

What is a Reference?

Answer 17

The act of mentioning or alluding to something.

References provide context in communication.

Question 18

Define Referent.

Answer 18

The actual thing or concept that a symbol refers to.

Understanding referents is essential for effective communication.

Question 19

What is the Semantic Triangle?

Answer 19

A model illustrating the relationship between a symbol, its referent, and the thought it evokes.

It highlights how meaning is constructed.

Question 20

What does the Process (Dynamic) view of culture suggest?

Answer 20

Culture is continuously evolving and adapting over time.

This view recognizes both change and continuity in cultural practices.

Question 21

What does it mean that cultures are both changing and staying the same?

Answer 21

Cultures can evolve while still maintaining core beliefs and practices.

This duality reflects the complexity of cultural identity.

Question 22

Define Objective Culture.

Answer 22

The tangible aspects of culture, such as artifacts, institutions, and social structures.

Objective culture can be observed and measured.

Question 23

What is Value in cultural context?

Answer 23

A principle or standard that is considered important by a culture.

Values inform behaviors and decision-making.

Question 24

Define Norm.

Answer 24

An expected standard of behavior within a culture.

Norms guide how individuals should act in social situations.

Question 25

What is an Attitude?

Answer 25

A settled way of thinking or feeling about something. ## Footnote Attitudes influence behavior and interpersonal interactions.

Question 26

Define Belief.

Answer 26

An acceptance that something exists or is true, often without proof. ## Footnote Beliefs shape perceptions and actions.

Question 27

What is a Taboo?

Answer 27

A prohibition against a particular behavior or practice. ## Footnote Taboos vary across cultures and can influence social norms.

Question 28

Define Rule.

Answer 28

A prescribed guide for conduct or action. ## Footnote Rules help maintain order within a culture.

Question 29

What is a More?

Answer 29

A norm that is widely observed and has great moral significance. ## Footnote Mores are often tied to ethical standards.

Question 30

Define High Context culture.

Answer 30

A culture in which communication relies heavily on context and non-verbal cues. ## Footnote High context cultures often value relationships over explicit communication.

Question 31

What is Low Context culture?

Answer 31

A culture where communication is direct and relies on explicit verbal expression. ## Footnote Low context cultures prioritize clarity and straightforwardness.

Question 32

Define Personal identity.

Answer 32

The sense of self as an individual, distinct from others. ## Footnote Personal identity influences how one interacts with the world.

Question 33

What is Social identity?

Answer 33

The part of an individual's identity that is derived from group memberships. ## Footnote Social identity affects social interactions and group dynamics.

Question 34

Define Primacy effect.

Answer 34

The tendency to remember the first piece of information presented. ## Footnote This can influence perceptions and decision-making.

Question 35

What is In-group?

Answer 35

A group with which an individual identifies as a member. ## Footnote In-groups can foster a sense of belonging.

Question 36

Define Out-group.

Answer 36

A group that an individual does not identify with. ## Footnote Out-groups can often be viewed with bias or misunderstanding.

Question 37

What is a Stereotype?

Answer 37

An oversimplified and generalized belief about a group of people. ## Footnote Stereotypes can lead to prejudice and discrimination.

Question 38

Define Tolerance.

Answer 38

The willingness to accept or allow differences in beliefs or practices. ## Footnote Tolerance is essential for social harmony.

Question 39

What is Equity?

Answer 39

The quality of being fair and impartial. ## Footnote Equity involves recognizing and addressing disparities.

Question 40

Define Inclusion.

Answer 40

The practice of ensuring that all individuals have equal access and opportunities. ## Footnote Inclusion fosters diversity and acceptance.

Question 41

What is Selective Perception?

Answer 41

The process of filtering information based on personal biases and experiences. ## Footnote This can influence understanding and interpretation.

Question 42

Define Selective Attention.

Answer 42

The focusing of awareness on specific stimuli while ignoring others. ## Footnote Selective attention affects how we process information.

Question 43

What does Categorization mean?

Answer 43

The mental process of grouping similar items or ideas together. ## Footnote Categorization helps simplify complex information.

Question 44

Define Attribution.

Answer 44

The process of explaining the causes of behavior or events. ## Footnote Attributions can shape perceptions and reactions.

Question 45

What is Attribution error?

Answer 45

The tendency to overemphasize personal characteristics and underestimate situational factors in others' behavior. ## Footnote This can lead to misunderstandings in social interactions.

Question 46

Define Ethnocentrism.

Answer 46

The belief that one's own culture is superior to others. ## Footnote Ethnocentrism can lead to cultural misunderstandings and conflicts.

Question 47

What is Semantics?

Answer 47

The study of meaning in language. ## Footnote Semantics explores how words and phrases convey meaning.

Question 48

Define Pragmatics.

Answer 48

The study of how context influences the interpretation of meaning in communication. ## Footnote Pragmatics examines language use in social contexts.

Question 49

What is Denotation?

Answer 49

The literal or primary meaning of a word. ## Footnote Denotation contrasts with connotation, which includes emotional associations.

Question 50

Define Connotation.

Answer 50

The associated or secondary meaning of a word, often influenced by emotional context. ## Footnote Connotation adds depth to the understanding of language.

Question 51

What are Morphemes?

Answer 51

The smallest units of meaning in a language. ## Footnote Morphemes can be words or parts of words.

Question 52

Define Phonemes.

Answer 52

The smallest units of sound in a language that can distinguish meaning. ## Footnote Phonemes are crucial for understanding spoken language.

Question 53

What is Syntax?

Answer 53

The set of rules that govern the structure of sentences in a language. ## Footnote Syntax determines how words combine to form phrases and sentences.

Question 54

Define Discourse.

Answer 54

Written or spoken communication and the structure of that communication. ## Footnote Discourse analysis examines how language is used in context.

Question 55

What is the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis?

Answer 55

The theory that language shapes thought and perception. ## Footnote This hypothesis suggests that speakers of different languages perceive the world differently.