Baum_Ch 14

What concerns did critics have regarding Skinner's ideas about the design of culture?

• They thought it would promote cultural stagnation.
• They feared it would lead to cultural diversity.
• They worried it might result in totalitarianism and regimentation.
• They believed it would enhance individual freedoms.

How does Skinner's concept of behavioral engineering relate to cultural design?

• It emphasizes the importance of tradition over innovation.
• It suggests a trial-and-error approach similar to engineering.
• It advocates for the elimination of all cultural practices.
• It focuses solely on individual behavior without cultural context.

What is 'guided variation' in the context of cultural evolution?

• A process that discourages experimentation in culture.
• A strategy to eliminate foreign cultural influences.
• A method of preserving traditional practices.
• Purposefully trying out new practices

In what way does selective breeding differ from natural selection in cultural contexts?

• Selective breeding allows for random selection of cultural traits.
• Natural selection is more effective than selective breeding.
• Selective breeding involves purposeful choices about which members get to reproduce.
• Natural selection is influenced by human intervention.

What role does careful planning play in cultural experiments according to Skinner?

• It should focus only on traditional practices.
• It hinders the process of cultural evolution.
• It is essential for evaluating the success of cultural experiments.
• It is unnecessary for successful cultural practices.

What is a key factor in the survival of a culture according to Skinner?

• Its isolation from other cultures.
• Its reliance on ancient traditions.
• Its capacity to adapt to new environmental challenges.
• Its ability to remain unchanged over time.

What does a culture need to do to survive?

• Follow societal rules
• Be able to change/adapt
• Maintain existing practices
• teach others never to deviate from rules

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of cultural practices competing with foreign influences?

• A society that only adopts practices from its own history.
• A culture that actively resists all foreign influences.
• A traditional practice being replaced by a more effective foreign practice.
• A culture that remains unchanged despite external pressures.

What does Skinner's vision of an experimental society entail?

• Limiting experimentation to a few areas.
• Encouraging continuous experimentation across various fronts.
• Focusing on preserving traditional practices.
• Avoiding any form of cultural change.

How does Skinner propose societies should approach cultural practices?

• By focusing solely on individual behavior.
• By constantly experimenting with new practices.
• By strictly adhering to historical traditions.
• By avoiding any changes to existing practices.