Social and Behavioral Sciences Practice Questions

Q: An accustomed way of doing things is known as:

Habit. ### Explanation **Correct Answer: A. Habit** In the context of behavioral sciences in Community Medicine, a **Habit** is defined as an "accustomed way of doing things." It refers to an individual's repetitive pattern of behavior that has become automatic through frequent repetition. Habits are personal characteristics and are often performed subconsciously (e.g., handwashing before meals or smoking). **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **B. Custom:** While often confused with habits, a custom is a **socially** accepted or traditional way of behaving. While a habit is individual, a custom is a collective practice followed by a community or group (e.g., dietary restrictions in certain cultures). * **C. Belief:** This is a cognitive component of behavior. It refers to a conviction or acceptance that something is true or exists, often based on faith or cultural upbringing rather than scientific proof. * **D. Ritual:** A ritual is a prescribed order of performing a ceremony or a series of actions often associated with religious or traditional practices. It is more structured and symbolic than a simple habit. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Acculturation:** The process of cultural change that occurs when two different cultural groups come into continuous contact (often tested in the context of migration). * **Socialization:** The process by which an individual learns the norms, values, and customs of their society to become a functioning member. * **Ethnocentrism:** The belief that one's own culture is superior to others. * **Cultural Lag:** A situation where non-material culture (values/beliefs) fails to keep pace with changes in material culture (technology).

Q: Socially acquired behavior is known as:

Culture. ### Explanation **Correct Answer: A. Culture** **Why Culture is the correct answer:** In the context of sociology and community medicine, **Culture** is defined as the "socially inherited" or "socially acquired" behavior of a group. It encompasses the learned patterns of thinking, feeling, and acting that are transmitted from one generation to another. According to the classic definition by E.B. Tylor, culture is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, and custom acquired by man as a member of society. It is the "social heritage" of a community. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **B. Socialization:** This is the **process** by which an individual learns the culture and becomes a member of society. While culture is the "what" (the behavior itself), socialization is the "how" (the mechanism of learning). * **C. Internalization:** This refers to the psychological process where an individual accepts and integrates social norms, values, and beliefs into their own personal identity. It is a deeper stage of socialization. * **D. Custom:** Customs are specific, established practices or traditional ways of behaving within a culture (e.g., dietary habits). While customs are part of culture, they are not the broad definition of socially acquired behavior itself. **High-Yield NEET-PG Pearls:** * **Acculturation (Culture Contact):** When two cultures come into contact and exchange features, leading to changes in both. This is a vital concept in migrant health. * **Ethnocentrism:** The belief that one's own culture is superior to others. * **Cultural Lag:** A situation where non-material culture (values/beliefs) fails to keep pace with changes in material culture (technology). * **Social Control:** The mechanisms (formal like laws, or informal like customs) by which society maintains order and conformity.

Question 1

Which sociological theory posits that prioritizing profit over health is a cause of disease?

Accepted Answer

Marxist theory

Answer

Feminist theory

Answer

Parsonian theory

Answer

Foucauldian theory

Question 2

What type of behavior is permanent and consistent but liable to change?

Accepted Answer

Practice

Answer

Culture

Answer

Attitude

Answer

Socialism

Question 3

A smoker is worried about the side effects of smoking but continues to smoke, rationalizing that their consumption is less than others and they maintain a good diet. This thought process is termed as:

Accepted Answer

Self-exemption

Answer

Self-protection

Answer

Cognitive behavior

Answer

Distortion

Question 4

An accustomed way of doing things is known as:

Accepted Answer

Habit

Answer

Custom

Answer

Belief

Answer

Ritual

Question 5

Socially acquired behavior is known as:

Accepted Answer

Culture

Answer

Socialization

Answer

Internalization

Answer

Custom

Social and Behavioral Sciences — MCQs

Social and Behavioral Sciences — MCQs

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