Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Practice Exam

What term describes a learned behavior passed down from one generation to another?

1. Norms

2. Culture

3. Tradition

4. Heritage

The correct answer is: Culture

The term that best describes a learned behavior passed down from one generation to another is "culture." Culture encompasses the shared practices, beliefs, values, and learned behaviors of a group, which are transmitted through communication and socialization from one generation to the next. This includes customs, rituals, and all forms of knowledge that influence how individuals interact within their communities. While "tradition" refers specifically to customs or practices that are upheld over time within a culture, it does not encompass the broader array of behaviors, beliefs, and values present in culture. "Heritage" focuses more on the inheritance from past generations, which may include traditions and objects, but does not explicitly cover the learned behaviors. "Norms" denotes the expected standards of behavior within a group, but it is more specific to social behaviors rather than the comprehensive array of learned characteristics defined by culture. Thus, culture is the most accurate term that captures the concept of learned behaviors being conveyed from one generation to the next.