Export your learner materials as an interactive game, a webpage, or FAQ style cheatsheet.
Unsaved Work Found!
It looks like you have unsaved work from a previous session. Would you like to restore it?
Total Categories: 5
Non-practitioners typically define superstition as any belief or practice considered irrational or supernatural, often linked to fate, magic, or fear of the unknown.
Answer: True
The source defines superstition by non-practitioners as any belief or practice considered irrational or supernatural, often attributed to fate, magic, perceived supernatural influence, or fear of the unknown.
Stuart Vyse suggests that for a belief to be considered a superstition, it must be instrumental, meaning the person holding the belief expects an actual effect from the practice.
Answer: True
Stuart Vyse proposes that superstitions must be instrumental, meaning the individual expects an actual effect from the practice, distinguishing them from practices solely for entertainment.
According to Dale Martin, what is considered superstitious remains constant across different cultures and historical periods.
Answer: False
Dale Martin argues that what is considered superstitious is culturally and temporally dependent, not constant, and is often influenced by modern scientific views on rationality.
The term 'folk belief' is used in folkloristics as a neutral alternative to 'superstition' to avoid negative connotations.
Answer: True
In folkloristics, the term 'folk belief' is used as a neutral alternative to 'superstition' to avoid the negative connotation associated with the latter, allowing for the study of these phenomena as cultural practices without judgment.
László Sándor Chardonnens praised the *Oxford English Dictionary's* definitions of superstition for their objective and unbiased approach.
Answer: False
László Sándor Chardonnens criticized the *Oxford English Dictionary's* definitions for passing value judgments and attributing superstition to 'fear and ignorance,' arguing they were biased rather than objective.
How do modern definitions commonly characterize superstitions?
Answer: As irrational beliefs that contradict scientific understanding and are considered impossible by some.
Modern definitions commonly describe superstitions as irrational beliefs that contradict scientific understanding and are considered impossible, as noted by Stuart Vyse and Jane Risen.
What additional criterion does Stuart Vyse propose for defining superstitions, beyond being irrational and culturally dependent?
Answer: They must be instrumental, expecting an actual effect from the belief.
Stuart Vyse proposes that superstitions must be instrumental, meaning the person holding the belief expects an actual effect from the practice, distinguishing them from mere entertainment.
Why is the term 'superstition' often avoided in folkloristics, and what alternative term is used?
Answer: It is avoided because it carries a negative connotation; 'folk belief' is used instead.
The term 'superstition' is often avoided in folkloristics due to its negative connotation; 'folk belief' is used as a neutral alternative to study cultural phenomena without judgment.
What criticism did László Sándor Chardonnens offer regarding the *Oxford English Dictionary's* definitions of superstition?
Answer: They passed value judgments and attributed superstition to 'fear and ignorance,' implying bias.
László Sándor Chardonnens criticized the *Oxford English Dictionary's* definitions for passing value judgments and attributing superstition to 'fear and ignorance,' suggesting a bias.
In antiquity, Greek and Roman polytheists viewed *superstitio* as a proper and reasonable awe of the gods, similar to their own religious practices.
Answer: False
In antiquity, Greek and Roman polytheists viewed *superstitio* as an excessive fear of the gods, contrasting with their own model of relations with deities, not as proper awe.
Cicero believed that destroying superstition would also destroy religion, as he saw them as inseparable concepts.
Answer: False
Cicero explicitly stated, 'One does not destroy religion by destroying superstition,' indicating he saw them as distinct, with superstition being an excessive form of religious belief that should be abolished, while religion (proper awe) should not.
Diderot's 18th-century *Encyclopédie* defined superstition as an excess of religion and specifically linked it with paganism.
Answer: True
Diderot's *Encyclopédie* defined superstition as 'any excess of religion in general' and specifically associated it with paganism.
Martin Luther praised the papacy in his 1520 *Prelude on the Babylonian Captivity of the Church* for its role in upholding traditional religious practices.
Answer: False
Martin Luther critically referred to the papacy as 'that fountain and source of all superstitions' in his 1520 work, accusing popes of superstition, rather than praising them.
The *Catechism of the Catholic Church* considers superstition a virtue, demonstrating deep trust in divine providence.
Answer: False
The *Catechism of the Catholic Church* considers superstition sinful, describing it as 'a perverse excess of religion' and a demonstrated lack of trust in divine providence, thus violating the first of the Ten Commandments.
The Latin word *superstitio* is derived from *super-stare*, meaning 'to stand over, stand upon; survive.'
Answer: True
The Latin word *superstitio* is indeed formed from the verb *super-stare*, meaning 'to stand over, stand upon; survive,' though its original intended sense is debated.
In Classical Latin, *superstitio* evolved to refer to proper and reasonable awe of the gods, contrasting with *religio* which signified excessive fear.
Answer: False
In Classical Latin, *superstitio* evolved to refer to an excessive fear of the gods or unreasonable religious belief, contrasting with *religio*, which signified proper and reasonable awe of the gods.
Early Christian writers considered Roman and Pagan cults to be superstitious because they believed these cults worshipped false gods and demons.
Answer: True
Early Christian writers regarded all Roman and Pagan cults as superstitious due to their belief that these cults involved the worship of false gods, fallen angels, and demons.
During the Age of Enlightenment, the belief in God's influence on world events remained largely undisputed, similar to the Middle Ages.
Answer: False
During the Age of Enlightenment, the perception of God's influence shifted from largely undisputed belief (Middle Ages) to increasing disbelief in superstition and an emphasis on reason, rather than remaining similar.
Baruch Spinoza was the first philosopher to publicly criticize superstition in written form during the Age of Enlightenment.
Answer: True
Baruch Spinoza was indeed the first philosopher to publicly criticize superstition in written form during the Age of Enlightenment, contributing to the era's shift towards rationalism.
How did Greek and Roman polytheists in antiquity generally perceive *superstitio*?
Answer: As an excessive fear of the gods, akin to a slave fearing a cruel master.
In antiquity, Greek and Roman polytheists viewed *superstitio* as an excessive fear of the gods, comparable to a slave fearing a cruel and capricious master, contrasting with their own religious practices.
What distinction did Cicero make regarding *superstitio* and *religio*?
Answer: He contrasted *superstitio* as an excessive form of religious belief with *religio* as proper and reasonable awe.
Cicero distinguished *superstitio* as an excessive or unreasonable form of religious belief from *religio*, which he considered proper and reasonable awe of the gods, stating that only superstition should be abolished.
How did Martin Luther characterize the papacy in his 1520 *Prelude on the Babylonian Captivity of the Church*?
Answer: As 'that fountain and source of all superstitions.'
In his 1520 work, Martin Luther critically referred to the papacy as 'that fountain and source of all superstitions,' accusing popes of superstition.
According to the *Catechism of the Catholic Church*, why is superstition considered sinful?
Answer: Because it is a perverse excess of religion and demonstrates a lack of trust in divine providence.
The *Catechism of the Catholic Church* considers superstition sinful because it is a perverse excess of religion and demonstrates a lack of trust in divine providence, violating the first of the Ten Commandments.
What is the etymological origin of the Latin word *superstitio*?
Answer: From *super-stare*, meaning 'to stand over, stand upon; survive.'
The Latin word *superstitio* is derived from the verb *super-stare*, meaning 'to stand over, stand upon; survive,' though its precise original sense is debated.
How did the meaning of *superstitio* evolve in Classical Latin?
Answer: It began to be used in a pejorative sense, referring to excessive fear of the gods or unreasonable belief.
In Classical Latin, *superstitio* evolved to be used in a pejorative sense, referring to an excessive fear of the gods or unreasonable religious belief, contrasting with *religio*.
Who was the first philosopher to publicly criticize superstition in written form during the Age of Enlightenment?
Answer: Baruch Spinoza
Baruch Spinoza was the first philosopher to publicly criticize superstition in written form during the Age of Enlightenment.
How did the perception of God's influence on world events change from the Middle Ages to the Age of Enlightenment?
Answer: It shifted from undisputed belief to increasing disbelief in superstition and emphasis on reason.
The perception of God's influence shifted from largely undisputed belief in the Middle Ages to increasing disbelief in superstition and an emphasis on reason during the Age of Enlightenment.
What did early Christian writers believe about Roman and Pagan cults in relation to superstition?
Answer: They regarded them as superstitious because they involved the worship of false gods and demons.
Early Christian writers regarded Roman and Pagan cults as superstitious because they believed these cults involved the worship of false gods, fallen angels, and demons.
Dieter Harmening's 1979 book *Superstitio* classifies superstitions into two main types: magic and divination.
Answer: False
Dieter Harmening's 1979 book *Superstitio* classifies superstitions into three main types: magic, divination, and observances, not just two.
In Harmening's classification, the 'observances' category includes sub-categories like 'signs' and 'time,' covering beliefs about animal behaviors and temporal prognostics.
Answer: True
The 'observances' category in Harmening's classification indeed subdivides into 'signs' and 'time,' encompassing beliefs about animal behaviors (omens) and temporal prognostics.
László Sándor Chardonnens states that the 'magic' category of superstition requires an observer to interpret signs without active participation.
Answer: False
According to Chardonnens, the 'magic' category demands a participant who must follow a specific protocol to influence the future, while 'observation' is the category that requires an observer to interpret signs without active participation.
What are the three main categories of superstitions identified by Dieter Harmening in his 1979 book *Superstitio*?
Answer: Magic, divination, and observances.
Dieter Harmening's 1979 book *Superstitio* categorizes superstitions into three main types: magic, divination, and observances.
In László Sándor Chardonnens's explanation of Harmening's categories, which category requires a participant to actively engage in an action to reveal what is to be observed?
Answer: Divination
According to Chardonnens, the 'divination' category requires a participant to actively engage in a given action to reveal what is to be observed.
Which of the following is NOT one of the sub-categories of 'observances' in Harmening's classification of superstitions?
Answer: Magic
In Harmening's classification, 'observances' subdivide into 'signs' and 'time' (which includes temporal prognostics). 'Magic' is one of the three main categories, not a sub-category of observances.
What is the primary characteristic of 'prognostication' as defined by Chardonnens in the context of superstition?
Answer: It anticipates knowledge of the future through systematic application of ritual and order.
Chardonnens defines 'prognostication' as the component of superstition that anticipates knowledge of the future through the systematic application of a given ritual and order.
B.F. Skinner's 1948 pigeon experiment demonstrated that pigeons could learn complex superstitious rituals to consistently receive food from a dispenser.
Answer: False
B.F. Skinner's 1948 pigeon experiment showed pigeons exhibiting superstitious behavior, but the food dispenser was programmed to release food at set intervals *regardless* of their actions, meaning they did not learn to consistently receive food through their rituals.
The 'partial reinforcement effect' suggests that behaviors reinforced inconsistently are highly resistant to extinction, which helps explain human superstitious behavior.
Answer: True
The 'partial reinforcement effect' indeed suggests that when reinforcement is not consistently forthcoming, behaviors become highly resistant to extinction, which is used to explain the persistence of human superstitious behavior.
From an evolutionary perspective, natural selection would likely disfavor the generation of 'superstitious' associations due to their inherent irrationality.
Answer: False
From an evolutionary/cognitive perspective, natural selection might actually favor the generation of 'superstitious' associations because the survival advantage of making correct associations could outweigh the negatives of also making many incorrect ones.
'Magical Thinking' in OCD is often linked to superstition, particularly in individuals with religious backgrounds or those raised in cultures believing in magic and rituals.
Answer: True
'Magical Thinking' in OCD, where individuals believe not performing a compulsion will lead to bad outcomes, is indeed often linked to superstition, especially in individuals with religious backgrounds or those raised in cultures that believe in magic and rituals.
Jane Risen's theory, using dual-process models, suggests that people consciously correct superstitious intuitions when they arise from 'System 1' reasoning.
Answer: False
Jane Risen's theory suggests that people recognize superstitious intuitions as incorrect but often *acquiesce* to them, meaning they are not always corrected by 'System 2' analytical reasoning, even when detected.
People generally believe that superstitions can create entirely new outcomes, such as an athlete gaining a new ability through a lucky ritual.
Answer: False
People tend to believe that superstitions influence events by altering the likelihood of existing possible outcomes, rather than by creating entirely new outcomes or enhancing inherent abilities.
Stuart Vyse argues that the primary benefit of superstitious rituals is the 'real magic' they provide, directly influencing external events.
Answer: False
Stuart Vyse argues that there is 'no real magic' in superstitious rituals; instead, their actual benefit is reducing stress, which can indirectly improve performance in high-pressure activities.
People are more likely to attribute positive, expected events to supernatural causes than negative, surprising ones.
Answer: False
People are most likely to attribute events to supernatural causes if the event is unlikely or surprising, and if the event is negative, a phenomenon known as 'negative agency bias.'
The 'curse of the Bambino' is an example of 'negative agency bias' because Red Sox fans attributed their team's losses to a curse, but their wins to skill.
Answer: True
The 'curse of the Bambino' is a classic example of 'negative agency bias,' where Red Sox fans attributed their team's prolonged losses to a supernatural curse, but their eventual wins to the team's skill and management.
What did B.F. Skinner's 1948 pigeon experiment suggest about the origins of superstitious behavior?
Answer: That it arises from accidental reinforcement, where a random action is coincidentally followed by a reward.
B.F. Skinner's 1948 pigeon experiment suggested that superstitious behavior arises from accidental reinforcement, where a random action is coincidentally followed by a reward, leading to the repetition of that action.
How does the 'partial reinforcement effect' explain human superstitious behavior?
Answer: It suggests that when reinforcement is not consistent, behaviors become highly resistant to extinction.
The 'partial reinforcement effect' explains human superstitious behavior by suggesting that when reinforcement is not consistent, behaviors become highly resistant to extinction, even if they are not truly causal.
From an evolutionary/cognitive perspective, why might natural selection favor the generation of 'superstitious' associations?
Answer: Because a strong survival advantage to making correct associations could outweigh the negatives of also making many incorrect ones.
From an evolutionary/cognitive perspective, natural selection might favor 'superstitious' associations because the survival advantage of making correct associations could outweigh the negatives of also making many incorrect ones, promoting caution or beneficial actions.
What is 'Magical Thinking' in the context of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Answer: A manifestation where individuals believe not performing a compulsion will lead to bad outcomes for themselves or others.
'Magical Thinking' in OCD is a manifestation where individuals believe that not performing a certain compulsion will lead to adverse outcomes for themselves or others, often linked to superstitious beliefs.
According to Jane Risen's theory, how do people typically respond to superstitious intuitions?
Answer: They recognize them as incorrect but often acquiesce to them.
Jane Risen's theory suggests that people recognize superstitious intuitions as incorrect but often acquiesce to them, meaning they are not always corrected by analytical reasoning.
How do people generally perceive the influence of superstitions on events?
Answer: They believe superstitions alter the likelihood of existing possible outcomes.
People generally perceive that superstitions influence events by altering the likelihood of existing possible outcomes, rather than creating entirely new ones.
What does Stuart Vyse suggest is the actual benefit of superstitious rituals, if not 'real magic'?
Answer: They reduce stress and can thereby improve performance in high-pressure activities.
Stuart Vyse suggests that the actual benefit of superstitious rituals is their ability to reduce stress, which can indirectly improve performance in high-pressure activities, rather than providing 'real magic.'
Under what two circumstances are people most likely to attribute events to supernatural causes?
Answer: If the event is unlikely or surprising, and if the event is negative.
People are most likely to attribute events to supernatural causes if the event is unlikely or surprising, and if the event is negative, a phenomenon known as 'negative agency bias.'
Which of the following is an example of 'negative agency bias' mentioned in the source?
Answer: Red Sox fans attributing team losses to a 'curse' but wins to skill.
The 'curse of the Bambino,' where Red Sox fans attributed team losses to a curse but wins to skill, is presented as an example of 'negative agency bias.'
John C. Mowen et al. suggest that superstitions act as a heuristic tool influencing consumer behaviors like gambling and investing.
Answer: True
John C. Mowen et al. indeed suggest that superstitions serve as a heuristic tool influencing various consumer behaviors, including gambling and investing, as individuals seek to influence outcomes through these beliefs.
The economic impact of Friday the 13th superstitions is estimated to be in the tens of thousands of dollars due to minor disruptions.
Answer: False
The economic impact of Friday the 13th superstitions is estimated to be between $700 million and $800 million, not tens of thousands, due to people's refusal to travel or conduct business.
The ancient Greek historian Polybius viewed superstition as a tool of governance (*instrumentum regni*) that helped maintain the cohesion of the Roman Empire.
Answer: True
The ancient Greek historian Polybius indeed viewed superstition as an *instrumentum regni*, a tool of governance, that helped maintain the cohesion and social order of the Roman Empire.
The superstition of not opening an umbrella indoors originated from a belief that it would anger household spirits.
Answer: False
The superstition of not opening an umbrella indoors has a practical origin: 18th-century umbrellas were clumsy and hazardous to open indoors, potentially causing injury or damage, rather than angering spirits.
The idiom 'break a leg' is a literal wish for a performer to injure themselves, stemming from ancient theatrical rivalries.
Answer: False
The idiom 'break a leg' is an ironic or non-literal saying used to wish a performer good luck, as directly wishing 'good luck' was once considered bad luck itself.
The rail safety superstition of blowing left and right before crossing tracks is a ritualized practice that mimics the practical action of looking both ways.
Answer: True
The rail safety superstition of blowing left and right before crossing tracks is indeed a ritualized practice that mimics the crucial safety measure of looking both ways, which has evolved into a superstitious habit.
The northern cardinal is associated with bad omens and misfortune in old folklore.
Answer: False
The northern cardinal is associated with positivity and hope, signifying visits from heaven, rather than bad omens or misfortune, according to old folklore.
In parts of Indonesia, *tetek melek* masks were hung in doorways during the Coronavirus pandemic to keep occupants safe.
Answer: True
In parts of Indonesia, *tetek melek* masks made of coconut palm fronds were indeed hung in doorways during the Coronavirus pandemic as a superstitious measure to keep occupants safe.
In China, using a broom within three days of the New Year is believed to sweep in good luck.
Answer: False
In China, using a broom within three days of the New Year is believed to sweep *away* good luck, not sweep it in.
What is the estimated economic impact of superstitions related to Friday the 13th?
Answer: Between $700 million and $800 million due to refusal to travel or conduct business.
The economic impact of Friday the 13th superstitions is estimated to be between $700 million and $800 million due to people's refusal to travel or conduct business.
How did the ancient Greek historian Polybius view superstition in the context of the Roman Empire?
Answer: As an *instrumentum regni*, a tool of governance that maintained cohesion.
The ancient Greek historian Polybius viewed superstition as an *instrumentum regni*, a tool of governance, that helped maintain the cohesion of the Roman Empire.
In China, what is the superstitious belief associated with the number 8?
Answer: It is considered lucky and influences the housing market.
In China, the number 8 is considered lucky and influences the housing market, as mentioned in the context of regional superstitions.
What is a common animal-related superstition in Western cultures mentioned in the source?
Answer: A black cat crossing one's path brings bad luck.
In Western cultures, a common animal-related superstition is that a black cat crossing one's path brings bad luck.
What is the superstition associated with the northern cardinal?
Answer: It is associated with receiving visits from heaven and indicates positivity.
The northern cardinal is associated with receiving visits from heaven and indicates positivity and hope, according to old folklore.
In parts of Indonesia, what objects were hung in doorways during the Coronavirus pandemic to keep occupants safe?
Answer: *Tetek melek* masks made of coconut palm fronds
In parts of Indonesia, *tetek melek* masks made of coconut palm fronds were hung in doorways during the Coronavirus pandemic as a superstitious measure to keep occupants safe.
What is the superstition surrounding brooms in China?
Answer: Using a broom within three days of the New Year will sweep away good luck.
In China, the superstition is that using a broom within three days of the New Year will sweep away good luck, rather than bringing it in.
What is the practical origin of the superstition about not opening an umbrella indoors?
Answer: 18th-century umbrellas were a hazard to open indoors due to clumsy mechanisms.
The superstition about not opening an umbrella indoors has a practical origin: 18th-century umbrellas were clumsy and hazardous to open indoors, potentially causing injury or damage.
What is the meaning of the idiom 'break a leg' in performing arts?
Answer: An ironic saying used to wish a performer good luck.
The idiom 'break a leg' is an ironic saying used in performing arts to wish a performer good luck, as directly wishing 'good luck' was once considered bad luck.
What is the practical origin of the rail safety superstition involving blowing left and right before crossing tracks?
Answer: It mimics the crucial safety measure of looking both ways before crossing.
The rail safety superstition of blowing left and right before crossing tracks mimics the crucial safety measure of looking both ways, which has become a ritualized practice.
According to John C. Mowen et al., how do superstitions influence consumer behavior?
Answer: They serve as a heuristic tool influencing behaviors like gambling and investing.
John C. Mowen et al. suggest that superstitions serve as a heuristic tool influencing various consumer behaviors, including gambling and investing.