AP Human Geography : Cultural Patterns & Processes

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Human Geography

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Acculturation, Assimilation, & Multiculturalism

Choose the correct answer. 

What language and culture is an early example of assimilation? 

Possible Answers:

Spanish 

Latin

English 

French 

Correct answer:

Latin

Explanation:

The Latin language and culture was adopted and is the basis of most modern day languages. The language became dominant due to the power of the Roman people. 

Example Question #21 : Concepts Of Culture

An area where innovations in culture began spread to other areas is known as which of these?

Possible Answers:

Culture hearth

Culture region

Cultural diffusion

Historical district

Culture realm

Correct answer:

Culture hearth

Explanation:

Culture hearth is the area where innovations in culture began and from which such cultural elements spread out to other regions. 

Example Question #3 : Acculturation, Assimilation, & Multiculturalism

Determine if the statement is true or false. 

Enculturation can be used to describe the process of second culture learning. 

Possible Answers:

true 

false

Correct answer:

false

Explanation:

Enculturation describes the process of first culture learning, whereas acculturation describes the process of second culture learning. Through first culture learning, individuals learn about their surrounding culture and shape their values and behaviors based on their learnings. This term is related to socialization. 

Example Question #1 : Acculturation, Assimilation, & Multiculturalism

Choose the correct answer. 

Acculturation has been studied in various fields EXCEPT ___________.

Possible Answers:

sociology 

psychology 

biology 

anthropology 

Correct answer:

biology 

Explanation:

Acculturation has been studied in the Psychology, Anthropology and Sociology fields. Scientific studies regarding the term have been studied since 1918. A variety of theories and definitions have been created throughout the years. Current studies focus around individuals and adaption to their cultures. 

Example Question #21 : Concepts Of Culture

Choose the correct answer. 

When is the earliest date that ideas surrounding acculturation existed? 

Possible Answers:

1918

1864

2370 BC

458 AD

Correct answer:

2370 BC

Explanation:

The earliest recorded existence of acculturation was in 2370 BC during the time of the ancient Sumerians. These people had a set of instructions for interacting with other cultures through commerce. These instructions were created in order to limit major changes in their culture due to foreign exposure. 

Example Question #21 : Concepts Of Culture

Choose the correct answer. 

What is NOT an example of an outcome of acculturation? 

Possible Answers:

changes in sex norms 

changes in food habits 

changes in architecture 

changes in language

Correct answer:

changes in architecture 

Explanation:

Acculturation affects food habits, sex norms and languages within a culture. Food habits may change based on availability of new ingredients. Different cultures have different practices for types and frequency of sex. Finally, languages change overtime to become a new, unique language. 

Example Question #31 : Concepts Of Culture

Determine if the statement is true or false. 

Acculturation is used mainly to describe cultural change and contact within large groups. 

Possible Answers:

false 

true 

Correct answer:

true 

Explanation:

Acculturation is mainly used to describe the process of change within large groups. The term transculturation was created to describe the change on a smaller scale with a less obvious impact. 

Example Question #11 : Acculturation, Assimilation, & Multiculturalism

Choose the correct answer. 

__________ is the term for the process by which a culture's language and psychological characteristics resemble another groups. 

Possible Answers:

Assimilation 

Acculturation 

Anthropology 

Transculturation

Correct answer:

Assimilation 

Explanation:

Assimilation is the process by which a culture adapts to another culture's language and psychological characteristics. This term can refer to both individuals and groups. 

Example Question #33 : Concepts Of Culture

Determine if the statement is true or false. 

Assimilation only occurs spontaneously. 

Possible Answers:

true 

false 

Correct answer:

false 

Explanation:

Assimilation can occur either spontaneously or forcibly. In the case of the Romans, they forcibly created assimilated weaker cultures and had the weaker culture adopt their language and other cultural practices. 

Example Question #151 : Cultural Patterns & Processes

Choose the correct answer. 

What is NOT one of the four checkpoints to assess immigrant assimilation? 

Possible Answers:

geographic distribution 

intermarriage 

change in food habits 

socioeconomic status 

Correct answer:

change in food habits 

Explanation:

The four factors for determining assimilation are: socioeconomic status, geographic distribution, second language adoption, and intermarriage. This determines the level that an immigrant assimilates within a culture. 

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