Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) Practice Exam

What term refers to the ability to interact effectively with people across different cultures while understanding one’s own worldview?

1. Cultural awareness

2. Cultural competence

3. Cultural diversity

4. Cultural relativity

The correct answer is: Cultural competence

The term that refers to the ability to interact effectively with people across different cultures while also maintaining an awareness of one’s own worldview is cultural competence. This concept encompasses not only knowledge about different cultural practices and worldviews but also the skills needed to communicate and engage respectfully and effectively with individuals from various backgrounds. Cultural competence goes beyond mere awareness; it involves actively applying this understanding in real-world interactions. It requires sensitivity to others’ cultural differences and an understanding of how one's own cultural background can shape perceptions and interactions. In this way, cultural competence is essential for fostering inclusivity and understanding in diverse settings, making it a crucial skill in today’s globalized world. Other terms mentioned, like cultural awareness, typically emphasize recognizing cultural differences but may not fully encompass the interactive skill set that cultural competence entails. Cultural diversity relates more to the presence of multiple cultures within a community, while cultural relativity refers to understanding cultural practices in their own context without imposing one's own cultural standards, which is a different focus than effective interaction across cultures.