Final answer:
The self-reference criterion refers to the unconscious reference to one's own cultural values, which is closely related to ethnocentrism, the belief in the superiority of one's own culture. Ethnocentrism hinders the appreciation of other cultures and obstructs the practice of cultural relativism. Option d.
Step-by-step explanation:
The self-reference criterion is best defined as D) the unconscious reference to one's own cultural values. This concept is tied to ethnocentrism, which delineates a tendency where individuals to judge other cultures based on their own cultural norms and values. This often involves the belief that one's own culture is superior to others and is the correct standard by which to measure all other societies. For instance, referring to Asia as the "Far East" reflects a Eurocentric viewpoint, implicitly suggesting that European standards are the default. Ethnocentrism can prevent individuals from appreciating the perspectives and accomplishments of other cultures, leading to a lack of cultural relativism—the practice of understanding and evaluating a culture based on its own standards and not in comparison to one's own.