Question 1

Cultural anthropology involves the practice of both ethnography and ethnology.While ethnography is the study of specific cultural traits and behaviors,ethnology is an approach meant to uncover general cultural laws and principles.

Accepted Answer

This statement accurately describes the difference between ethnography and ethnology in cultural anthropology. Ethnography involves the detailed study of a particular culture or community, while ethnology focuses on identifying overarching patterns and principles that apply across different cultures.

Question 2

The study of disease in prehistoric populations is called paleoanthropology.

Accepted Answer

The study of disease in prehistoric populations is called paleopathology, not paleoanthropology. Paleoanthropology is the study of human evolution and prehistoric human beings.

Question 3

All of the following can be used to illustrate a pursuit of individualism that negatively impacts the common good in the United States except:

Accepted Answer

The widespread practice of giving to charity and other philanthropic societies does not necessarily illustrate a pursuit of individualism that negatively impacts the common good. In fact, philanthropy can often have a positive impact on the common good. The other options all illustrate ways in which individualism can negatively impact the common good.

Question 4

Anthropological linguistics is the least significant subfield in the discipline of anthropology.

Accepted Answer

Anthropological linguistics is a subfield of anthropology that studies the relationship between language and culture, and it is significant in understanding the diversity of human communication and social practices.

Question 5

Physical anthropology is focused exclusively on the reconstruction of the human fossil record.

Accepted Answer

Physical anthropology is a subfield of anthropology that focuses on the study of human biological variation and evolution, which includes the study of the human fossil record, as well as other aspects such as genetics, human adaptation, and human biocultural diversity.

Question 6

In order to truly appreciate other cultural perspectives,which of the following is most vital?

Accepted Answer

Letting go of cultural certainty and being open to learning something new is the most vital aspect of appreciating other cultural perspectives. Making cultural evaluations based on past experience (choice A) can lead to cultural stereotypes and biases. Working effectively despite cultural differences (choice C) is important, but it does not necessarily lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of other cultures. Ignoring cultural differences (choice D) is not respectful or productive. While cultivating friendships in different cultures (choice E) is beneficial, it is not the most vital aspect of appreciating other cultural perspectives.

Question 7

Anthropologists are concerned with all humans,both past and present,as well as humans' behavior patterns,thought systems,and material possessions.

Accepted Answer

Anthropologists study various aspects of human culture including behavior patterns, thought systems, and material possessions both in the past and present.

Question 8

Race has never been a central concept in the study of anthropology.

Accepted Answer

Race has been a historically central concept in the discipline of anthropology, although contemporary anthropologists recognize the social construct of race and the need for critical analysis of how race has been used to perpetuate inequality and marginalization.

Question 9

Archaeology has led to interesting discoveries and the development of new tools today,such as improved surgical knives.

Accepted Answer

Archaeological studies have indeed contributed to the development of new tools and technologies in various fields, including medicine. The study of ancient instruments and techniques has inspired improvements in modern surgical tools, such as more precise and efficient surgical knives.

Question 10

Which of the anthropological subfields most prepares a student with the skills for the 21ˢᵗ century?

Accepted Answer

Cultural anthropology involves studying human behavior, social organization, and relationships, which are increasingly essential skills for individuals to navigate and succeed in our diverse and globalized world. Cultural anthropologists also have skills in qualitative research, cross-cultural communication, and critical thinking, which are valuable in many fields such as business, education, public health, and international development.

Question 11

Although Europeans and North Americans share some cultural traits,which North American trait is often seen as excessive by its European counterparts?

Accepted Answer

European cultures tend to prioritize collectivism and community values over individualistic pursuits, so the strong emphasis on individualism in North American culture may be seen as excessive or self-centered.

Question 12

Anthropologists recognize non-human primates as important research subjects because they can be studied in environments similar to those our human ancestors lived in several million years ago.

Accepted Answer

Anthropologists recognize non-human primates as important research subjects because they can provide insights into evolutionary processes and behaviors that may have been present in our human ancestors' environments. By observing non-human primates, anthropologists can gain a greater understanding of human evolution and adaptation over time.

Question 13

Which statement about the applied research of Susan Squires is true?

Accepted Answer

The statement about children not being very hungry in the morning and leaving the house without eating much of anything is an example of Susan Squires' research on breakfast habits and preferences.

Question 14

The ability to see how a single entity is composed of a number of different parts and how these parts are interconnected is called:

Accepted Answer

Cognitive complexity refers to the ability to understand the complexity of different entities and how their individual parts are interconnected. It involves seeing the big picture while also being able to understand individual components and how they contribute to the whole. This is the most appropriate answer as it directly refers to the ability described in the question.

Question 15

An increasing number of recent high school graduates are opting to take a "gap year," traveling and interning with organizations abroad before attending college.All of the following are critical skills in the 21ˢᵗ century except:

Accepted Answer

The ability to determine which culture is best and most valuable is not a critical skill in the 21st century because it implies a subjective judgement that may not be accurate or applicable to all situations. Instead, individuals should have an open-minded approach to different cultures and seek to understand their logic and value, as well as develop skills such as language fluency and cultural immersion.

Question 16

The study of anthropology develops all of the following skills except:

Accepted Answer

Responsible money management is not a skill that is directly developed through the study of anthropology. While anthropology may indirectly teach students about financial systems and economic patterns in different cultures, it is not a primary focus of the discipline.

Question 17

Environmental anthropology traditionally focused primarily on how non-Western peoples adapted to their physical environments.

Accepted Answer

Environmental anthropology has traditionally focused on how both Western and non-Western societies interact with and adapt to their physical environments, but it did start with a bigger emphasis on non-Western societies.

Question 18

Being attentive to both verbal and nonverbal communication is a skill known as:

Accepted Answer

Perceptual acuity refers to the ability to accurately perceive and interpret subtle cues in the environment, which includes being attentive to both verbal and nonverbal communication.

Question 19

Dr.Ann Soetoro,the mother of President Barack Obama,was a cultural anthropologist who worked in Indonesia studying:

Accepted Answer

Dr. Ann Soetoro specialized in economic anthropology, focusing on the role of craftsmanship and entrepreneurship in rural Indonesian communities, which aligns with option C.

Question 20

Cultural resource management may involve very contemporary archaeological sites.

Accepted Answer

Cultural resource management (CRM) involves the identification, evaluation, documentation, and preservation of cultural resources, which may include not only ancient sites but also sites of more recent historical significance, such as those related to modern industry or urbanization. Therefore, CRM may involve very contemporary archaeological sites.

Quiz 1: What is Anthropology?