Social Sciences Flashcards

In anthropology, 'cultural relativism' is the principle that:

Answer: Cultural practices should be understood within their own context

Cultural relativism holds that a culture's beliefs and practices should be understood on their own terms rather than judged by outside standards.

Which economic term describes a situation in which a single buyer dominates a market?

Answer: Monopsony

A monopsony is a market structure where there is only one major buyer, giving that buyer significant power over sellers and prices.

Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs places which category at the base of the pyramid?

Answer: Physiological needs

Physiological needs — food, water, shelter, and sleep — form the foundation of Maslow's hierarchy because they are essential for survival.

In political science, 'federalism' refers to:

Answer: A division of power between national and state/regional governments

Federalism is a system of government in which power is constitutionally divided between a central authority and regional entities such as states.

In sociology, 'social stratification' primarily refers to:

Answer: The hierarchical ranking of groups in society based on wealth, power, or prestige

Social stratification is the layered ranking of individuals and groups into hierarchies based on factors such as wealth, power, and social status.

Which concept in psychology refers to the mental process of organizing information into categories to simplify perception?

Answer: Schemas

Schemas are cognitive frameworks or mental templates that help people organize and interpret information efficiently.

The 'invisible hand' metaphor in economics, coined by Adam Smith, describes:

Answer: The way self-interested actions in free markets tend to produce beneficial social outcomes

Adam Smith's 'invisible hand' describes how individuals pursuing their own self-interest in free markets unintentionally promote the broader economic welfare of society.