Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

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What is the mechanism by which cultural tools organize people's activities known as?

Mediation
Facilitation
Enhancement
Moderation

The correct answer is: Mediation

The mechanism by which cultural tools organize people's activities is known as mediation. This concept is rooted in cultural-historical psychology, particularly in the work of Lev Vygotsky. Mediation involves the process through which tools and signs (such as language, maps, or technological devices) interact with individuals' cognitive processes, shaping and guiding their actions and thoughts in the context of their culture. Cultural tools are not merely external objects; they influence how individuals engage with their environment, solve problems, and collaborate with others. Mediation highlights the dynamic interaction between individual cognition and cultural artifacts, underscoring the importance of context in shaping human behavior. Other terms, such as facilitation, enhancement, and moderation, do not capture the full depth of how cultural tools serve to mediate experiences and activities, which is crucial in understanding psychology from a cultural standpoint.