Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

What term best describes a set of beliefs, values, and assumptions widely held among a group of people?

1. Culture

2. Race

3. Ethnicity

4. Cultural Competence

The correct answer is: Culture

The term that best describes a set of beliefs, values, and assumptions widely held among a group of people is culture. Culture encompasses the behavior patterns, artifacts, and social norms of a group, influencing how its members perceive the world, interact with one another, and respond to life experiences. It is a broad and encompassing term that includes language, religion, traditions, and social practices that contribute to the identity of the group. Race refers to categorization based on physical characteristics, such as skin color, but it does not inherently include the beliefs and values of individuals. Ethnicity is more specific and relates to a shared cultural heritage, often tied to a geographic region or a common nationality; while it can encompass aspects of culture, it does not entirely capture the wider array of beliefs and values intrinsic to a larger group. Cultural competence refers to the ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures; it is a skill set rather than a set of beliefs or values. Thus, culture is the most accurate term that encapsulates the collective beliefs, values, and assumptions of a group.