ANT 300 Exam 1 V1 | ANT 300 Cultural
Anthropology | Q&A with Rationale
(ANT300 Exam 1) | Nightingale College
1. Which of the following best defines the holistic perspective in anthropology?
A. Focusing solely on the biological evolution of humans.
B. Examining human behavior through the lens of modern psychological testing.
C. The comparative study of different cultures through historical documents.
D. The study of the whole of the human condition: past, present, and future; biology,
society, language, and culture.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Holism is a fundamental concept in anthropology that seeks to understand
humans by integrating various aspects of existence. This approach ensures that
researchers consider the interconnection between biology and culture. By examining the
past and the present, anthropologists gain a comprehensive view of human diversity.
2. What is the primary difference between ethnography and ethnology?
A. Ethnography is cross-cultural comparison, while ethnology is fieldwork.
B. Ethnography is the study of ancient cultures, while ethnology studies modern ones.
C. There is no difference between the two terms.
,D. Ethnography provides an account of a particular community, while ethnology examines
and compares the results of ethnography.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Ethnography focuses on data collection through descriptive, site-specific
research often involving fieldwork. Ethnology, conversely, utilizes the data gathered by
ethnographers to identify broader patterns and theories across cultures. This comparative
process is essential for building anthropological theory regarding human behavior.
3. Ethnocentrism is defined as:
A. The tendency to view one’s own culture as superior and to apply one’s own cultural
values in judging the behavior and beliefs of people raised in other cultures.
B. The belief that all cultures are equal and should be judged by their own standards.
C. A technique used by anthropologists to blend in with a new society.
D. The process of learning a new culture during childhood.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ethnocentrism often leads to misunderstandings and prejudice against groups
perceived as different. It is a universal human tendency to see one’s own way of life as the
most natural or correct. Anthropologists work to overcome this bias to achieve an objective
understanding of human diversity.
4. Cultural relativism is a methodological principle that suggests:
A. Every culture is morally right regardless of its practices.
, B. Western culture is the benchmark for global civilization.
C. Behavior in one culture should not be judged by the standards of another culture.
D. Culture is biologically inherited.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cultural relativism serves as an analytical tool rather than a moral absolute. It
encourages researchers to understand the logic and context behind specific cultural
practices without immediate judgment. This perspective is vital for unbiased ethnographic
research and intercultural communication.
5. Who is often considered the ‘father’ of American four-field anthropology?
A. Bronislaw Malinowski
B. Franz Boas
C. Margaret Mead
D. Claude Levi-Strauss
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Franz Boas established the framework for anthropology in the United States,
emphasizing the four-field approach. He challenged the then-popular notions of scientific
racism and evolutionary stages of culture. His influence helped shift the discipline toward a
more empirical and relativistic focus.
Anthropology | Q&A with Rationale
(ANT300 Exam 1) | Nightingale College
1. Which of the following best defines the holistic perspective in anthropology?
A. Focusing solely on the biological evolution of humans.
B. Examining human behavior through the lens of modern psychological testing.
C. The comparative study of different cultures through historical documents.
D. The study of the whole of the human condition: past, present, and future; biology,
society, language, and culture.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Holism is a fundamental concept in anthropology that seeks to understand
humans by integrating various aspects of existence. This approach ensures that
researchers consider the interconnection between biology and culture. By examining the
past and the present, anthropologists gain a comprehensive view of human diversity.
2. What is the primary difference between ethnography and ethnology?
A. Ethnography is cross-cultural comparison, while ethnology is fieldwork.
B. Ethnography is the study of ancient cultures, while ethnology studies modern ones.
C. There is no difference between the two terms.
,D. Ethnography provides an account of a particular community, while ethnology examines
and compares the results of ethnography.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Ethnography focuses on data collection through descriptive, site-specific
research often involving fieldwork. Ethnology, conversely, utilizes the data gathered by
ethnographers to identify broader patterns and theories across cultures. This comparative
process is essential for building anthropological theory regarding human behavior.
3. Ethnocentrism is defined as:
A. The tendency to view one’s own culture as superior and to apply one’s own cultural
values in judging the behavior and beliefs of people raised in other cultures.
B. The belief that all cultures are equal and should be judged by their own standards.
C. A technique used by anthropologists to blend in with a new society.
D. The process of learning a new culture during childhood.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ethnocentrism often leads to misunderstandings and prejudice against groups
perceived as different. It is a universal human tendency to see one’s own way of life as the
most natural or correct. Anthropologists work to overcome this bias to achieve an objective
understanding of human diversity.
4. Cultural relativism is a methodological principle that suggests:
A. Every culture is morally right regardless of its practices.
, B. Western culture is the benchmark for global civilization.
C. Behavior in one culture should not be judged by the standards of another culture.
D. Culture is biologically inherited.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cultural relativism serves as an analytical tool rather than a moral absolute. It
encourages researchers to understand the logic and context behind specific cultural
practices without immediate judgment. This perspective is vital for unbiased ethnographic
research and intercultural communication.
5. Who is often considered the ‘father’ of American four-field anthropology?
A. Bronislaw Malinowski
B. Franz Boas
C. Margaret Mead
D. Claude Levi-Strauss
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Franz Boas established the framework for anthropology in the United States,
emphasizing the four-field approach. He challenged the then-popular notions of scientific
racism and evolutionary stages of culture. His influence helped shift the discipline toward a
more empirical and relativistic focus.
