Person : Family :: Family...?

Appeared in: MNS 2015

Explanation

The question presents a 'part-to-whole' analogy, where the first element is a fundamental unit of the second.
A 'Person' is the smallest individual unit that constitutes a 'Family'.
Following this pattern, a 'Family' is the basic social unit that, when grouped with other families, forms a 'Society'.
This hierarchical relationship (Person → Family → Society) makes 'Society' the correct answer.

Option B: A 'State' is a political and administrative entity. It represents a higher and more complex level of organization than a society. Society is the more immediate social structure formed by a collection of families.
Option C: A 'House' is a physical dwelling or building. The relationship between 'Family' and 'House' is one of inhabitant and residence, not a part-to-whole social structure.
Option D: A 'Nation' is a very large-scale community, often defined by shared culture, language, or history. It is a much broader concept than 'Society' and is several levels above 'Family' in social organization.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Analogical Reasoning (Part-to-Whole Relationship) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While not a clinical question, logical reasoning is a core competency for nurses, essential for accurate assessment, diagnosis, and care planning.
Nurses use part-to-whole reasoning daily, for instance, by interpreting individual symptoms (parts) to understand a patient's overall condition or diagnosis (the whole).
This skill helps in prioritizing care by understanding how a problem in one body system (part) can affect the entire patient (whole).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the relationship between the first pair of words: 'Person' and 'Family'. A person is a single member of a family.
Recognize this as a 'part-to-whole' relationship.
Apply the same relationship to the second word, 'Family'. You need to find the 'whole' of which a family is a fundamental 'part'.
Evaluate the options: A collection of families forms a 'Society'.
Confirm that 'Society' fits the part-to-whole pattern, whereas 'State', 'House', and 'Nation' represent different types of relationships or different levels of organization.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q2_iPtg9xfzFDhQ4myQ2jR

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) p. 219-221

Practise the full MNS 2015

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.