Unit 1 Challenge and Change Key Terms

own culture

The belief that ones ________, nation, or ethnic group is superior to all others.

acculturation

The process of contact,exposure, and exchange of ideas between different cultures that results in adaptations changes to both groups

anthropology

The scientific study of humans, including their origins’ behaviour; and physical. Social and cultural development

Cognitive consistency

The tendency of individuals to sek out stimuli that are consistent with their beliefs and attitudes and to limit exposure to those are inconsistent

Cognitive dissonance

The state of having inconsistent thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes

Collectivist society

A society in which individuals are dependent on the group, and personal needs are secondary to group needs

Command class

Those who have authority in society

Confirmation bias

The tendency among people to favour information that confirms their beliefs and preconceptions about an issue regardless of the validity of the information

diffusion

The spread of a cultural trait from one society to another through social contact

ethnocentrism

The belief that one’s own culture, nation, or ethnic group is superior to all others

hypothesis

A tentative assumption made from know facts as the basis for investigation

Individualist society

A society that values autonomy, freedom, and competition, as well as personal rights and freedoms

Intercultural contact

Exchanges between different cultures

macrosociology

A sociological approach that analyzes social systems on a larger scale

microsociology

The study of small groups and individuals within a society

norms

Expectations of appropriate conduct that serve as the basis of all social interactions

Obey class

Those without authority in society

Participant observation

The careful watching of a group; in some cases living in their culture

psychology

The scientific study of the human mind, mental states, and human behaviour

Qualitative data

Subjective information expressed in words or actions

Quantitative data

Information that is measured numerically

Social change

Transformations in the beliefs, social interactions, practices, organization, and structures of society

Social dynamics

The factors that determine social change

Social paradigm shift

When a new set of ideals, beliefs, and values become strong enough to affect and change the way individuals see and perceive reality

Social statics

The requirements necessary to maintain and achieve social order

sociology

the scientific study of human social behaviour, including individuals, groups, and societies

Status quo

The general state of affairs or condition of a group, culture, or society