What aspect of culture helps define a person's worldview?

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Prepare for the MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The aspect of culture that helps define a person's worldview is beliefs and shared values. Beliefs and shared values form the foundation of how individuals and societies perceive the world around them. They influence attitudes, shape behaviors, and dictate the way people interact with each other and their environment. This includes perceptions about morality, spirituality, social norms, and the responsibilities individuals have toward one another.

When people grow up in a particular culture, the prevalent beliefs and values shape their understanding of concepts such as success, happiness, and ethics. For instance, a culture that values collectivism may foster a worldview that emphasizes community and cooperation, whereas a culture that prizes individualism may encourage self-reliance and personal achievement. Thus, these shared constructs are crucial to the formation of a person's perspective and how they engage with both their immediate community and the broader world.

Other aspects like material possessions, geographical location, and government laws can influence a person's experiences and lifestyle, but they do not inherently shape core beliefs and values in the way that shared cultural concepts do. Material possessions can reflect cultural values but do not define them. Geographical location might expose individuals to certain beliefs but does not necessarily determine their worldview. Government laws can enforce certain behaviors but do not encapsulate the deeper, value