Cultural Bias Flashcards
What is universality?
When findings can be generalised globally
Why has psychology been criticised?
It ignores the effect of culture on behaviour and assumes findings from a study done in 1 culture can be applied to all cultures
What is ethnocentrism?
The belief in the superiority of one’s own culture. We think that our view of the world, behaviours and other cultures is correct
What study is an example of ethnocentrism?
Mary Ainsworth: The Strange Situation
What was the ‘ideal’ attachment type in the original Strange Situation?
Secure
Which country did the original Strange Situation represent?
America
What are 2 real life examples where cultural bias can be present?
Diagnosis of mental disorder
Intelligence
What aspect of Jahoda’s criteria is biased to individualist cultures?
Self actualisation
What is cultural relativism?
Norms and values can only be understood within specific social and cultural contexts
What is etic?
Looking at behaviour from outside of a culture, trying to apply universal laws. Imposed etic = a culturally specific idea is wrongly imposed on another culture
What is emic?
Looking from within certain cultures and identifies behaviours that are specific to that culture.
Māori’s are…
2 or 3 times more likely to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital than white New Zealanders
Intelligence tests often…
Show an imposed etic - timed conditions, mental quickness
How is cultural bias an issue with intelligence tests?
Different cultures view intelligence differently
E.g. the Baganda people of Uganda view intelligence as slow, careful and deliberate thought
