ANT 300 Exam 4 V2 | ANT 300 Cultural
Anthropology | Q&A with Rationale
(ANT300 Exam 4) | Nightingale College
1. In medical anthropology, the term ‘disease’ refers specifically to which of the following?
A. The patient’s personal experience of being unwell.
B. A scientifically identified health threat caused by a known pathogen.
C. The social stigma associated with a particular condition.
D. A culture-bound syndrome that has no biological basis.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Medical anthropologists distinguish between disease and illness to better
analyze health systems. Disease is defined as an objective, biological condition such as an
infection or injury identified by medical experts. This distinction allows researchers to
explore how biological realities interact with cultural perceptions and social meanings.
2. Which theoretical perspective in anthropology argues that the global economy is divided
into a core, periphery, and semi-periphery?
A. World Systems Theory
B. Modernization Theory
C. Structural-Functionalism
D. Cultural Materialism
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: World Systems Theory, developed by Immanuel Wallerstein, emphasizes the
interconnectedness of global economic relations. It suggests that core nations exploit the
resources and labor of peripheral nations to maintain wealth and power. This framework is
essential for understanding historical and contemporary inequalities in global
development.
3. A ‘culture-bound syndrome’ like ‘susto’ in Latin American societies is best described as:
A. A universal biological disease found in all humans.
B. A psychological condition caused by a lack of traditional values.
C. A health problem with specific symptoms restricted to a particular culture.
D. A medical myth created to avoid modern healthcare.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Culture-bound syndromes are clusters of symptoms that are recognized as
diseases only within specific cultural contexts. For example, susto is often attributed to soul
loss caused by a frightening experience and is not recognized in Western biomedicine.
Understanding these syndromes is vital for cultural competency in healthcare delivery.
4. What is the primary goal of ‘Applied Anthropology’?
A. To use anthropological data and methods to solve contemporary social problems.
B. To conduct academic research purely for theoretical advancement.
, C. To preserve ancient artifacts in museums for public education.
D. To prove that Western culture is the most advanced form of civilization.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Applied anthropology involves using the knowledge and techniques of the field
to address real-world issues such as public health, poverty, and environmental
degradation. Applied anthropologists work in various sectors, including NGOs, government
agencies, and healthcare systems. Their work bridges the gap between academic theory
and practical community needs.
5. According to Victor Turner, the middle stage of a rite of passage, where participants exist
‘betwixt and between’, is called:
A. Liminality
B. Separation
C. Aggregation
D. Communitas
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Liminality is the transitional phase of a rite of passage where the individual no
longer holds their old status but has not yet reached the new one. During this stage,
participants often undergo intense shared experiences and are stripped of social
distinctions. This concept is fundamental to understanding how societies manage status
transitions and social identity.
Anthropology | Q&A with Rationale
(ANT300 Exam 4) | Nightingale College
1. In medical anthropology, the term ‘disease’ refers specifically to which of the following?
A. The patient’s personal experience of being unwell.
B. A scientifically identified health threat caused by a known pathogen.
C. The social stigma associated with a particular condition.
D. A culture-bound syndrome that has no biological basis.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Medical anthropologists distinguish between disease and illness to better
analyze health systems. Disease is defined as an objective, biological condition such as an
infection or injury identified by medical experts. This distinction allows researchers to
explore how biological realities interact with cultural perceptions and social meanings.
2. Which theoretical perspective in anthropology argues that the global economy is divided
into a core, periphery, and semi-periphery?
A. World Systems Theory
B. Modernization Theory
C. Structural-Functionalism
D. Cultural Materialism
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: World Systems Theory, developed by Immanuel Wallerstein, emphasizes the
interconnectedness of global economic relations. It suggests that core nations exploit the
resources and labor of peripheral nations to maintain wealth and power. This framework is
essential for understanding historical and contemporary inequalities in global
development.
3. A ‘culture-bound syndrome’ like ‘susto’ in Latin American societies is best described as:
A. A universal biological disease found in all humans.
B. A psychological condition caused by a lack of traditional values.
C. A health problem with specific symptoms restricted to a particular culture.
D. A medical myth created to avoid modern healthcare.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Culture-bound syndromes are clusters of symptoms that are recognized as
diseases only within specific cultural contexts. For example, susto is often attributed to soul
loss caused by a frightening experience and is not recognized in Western biomedicine.
Understanding these syndromes is vital for cultural competency in healthcare delivery.
4. What is the primary goal of ‘Applied Anthropology’?
A. To use anthropological data and methods to solve contemporary social problems.
B. To conduct academic research purely for theoretical advancement.
, C. To preserve ancient artifacts in museums for public education.
D. To prove that Western culture is the most advanced form of civilization.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Applied anthropology involves using the knowledge and techniques of the field
to address real-world issues such as public health, poverty, and environmental
degradation. Applied anthropologists work in various sectors, including NGOs, government
agencies, and healthcare systems. Their work bridges the gap between academic theory
and practical community needs.
5. According to Victor Turner, the middle stage of a rite of passage, where participants exist
‘betwixt and between’, is called:
A. Liminality
B. Separation
C. Aggregation
D. Communitas
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Liminality is the transitional phase of a rite of passage where the individual no
longer holds their old status but has not yet reached the new one. During this stage,
participants often undergo intense shared experiences and are stripped of social
distinctions. This concept is fundamental to understanding how societies manage status
transitions and social identity.
