Chapter 3 Study Guide

1a. What is character?

• Possessing moral strength and integrity

1b. Through which qualities do people show it? (good character)

• Ability to understand the difference between right and wrong

• Commitment to do what is right• Acceptance of a set of universal values• Demonstration of responsible behavior

2. What is meant by a person’s values?

• Beliefs, feelings, and ideas about what is important

3. Are values always right or wrong?Why or why not?

• Personal preference is not a right or wrong answer.

• Others are often considered positive or negative.

• Some positive values are universal to all societies.

4. We learn two ways:

• Directly: by being taught• Indirectly : by observing

5. Why might a teen’s values change?

• Teens begin to explore and clarify them (values).

6. From what sources do many people learn values?

• Aiming for positive values• Listening to your conscience• Turning to your family• Gaining knowledge• Evaluating the source: who is telling you

this?• Talking to others (parents, counselors)

7. What information would you need in order to identify your

values?• Inner qualities (good

at)• Friends’ qualities• How I want to be

treated• What I choose to do• Whom I admire

• Activities that make me feel good about myself

• What I stand up for• Family values

8. What do you think “empathize” means?

• The ability to understand someone else’s feelings and point of view

9. What characterizes a responsible person?

• Reliable and accountable• Someone to be counted on who keeps his

or her word

10. How would you describe an accountable person?

• Willing to accept the consequences of his/her actions and words

• Doesn’t blame others• Acknowledges mistakes• Corrects and learns from them

11. What qualities make a person mature?

• Responsible, adult-like behavior and attitudes

• Making an effort to move closer to maturity

12. What are some subjects about which a mature person makes

responsible decisions for himself/herself?

• Eating nutritious foods• Substances (don’t do drugs or drink

alcohol)• Friends• education

13. What responsibility to family do people have?

• To pitch in and help• To make the family stronger

14. What is the result of showing responsibility to others?

• People count on you.• They like dealing with you.

15. How can people show responsibility to society?

• They can make everyday contributions.• They can help out in the community.• They can make an impact on a worldwide

level.

16. How can people of negative character influence others?

• They intimidate and manipulate others.

17. How does genuine character affect others?

• It imparts strong values.• It creates a sense of responsibility and

pride.• It helps plan for a positive future.• It makes a difference.