1. Describe five major dimensions of culture.

5 major dimensions of culture are 1. Context describes the stimuli, environment, and ambience surrounding an event. 2. Individualism refers to the degree to which independence and freedom from control are valued. 3. Formality describes the emphasis placed on tradition ceremony, and social rules. 4. Communication style refers to the manner in which people communicate. High-context cultures rely less on words and more on context than do low-context cultures. 5.Time orientation describes the emphasis placed on time. Is it precious and not to be wasted, or is it an unlimited and never-ending resource?

2. Briefly, contrast high- and low-context cultures.

People in low-context cultures tend to prefer direct verbal interaction, understand meaning at one level only, are less proficient in reading nonverbal communication, value individualism, emphasize linear logic, use :logic” to express ideas, say no directly, communicate in highly structured messages with many words, and stress the literal meaning of words. Those in high-context cultures, tend to prefer indirect verbal interaction, understand meanings embedded at many socio-cultural levels, are more proficient in reading nonverbal communication, value group membership, emphasize spiral logic, use more “feeling” to express ideas, talk around the point, avoid saying no, communicate in simple but ambiguous messages, and use fewer words but understand the context of a situation.

3. How is a stereotype different from a prototype?

A stereotype is an oversimplified behavioral pattern applied uncritically to groups. A prototype describes mental representations based on general characteristics that are not fixed and rigid but are open to new definitions. Stereotypes are fixed and rigid when prototypes can be changed as a result of observation and experience.

4. Name