Cultural Bias Terminology

Question 1

Universality

Answer 1

Any underlying characteristic of human beings that is capable of being applied to all, despite differences of experience and upbringing. Gender bias and culture bias threaten the universalty of findings in psychology

Question 2

Bias

Answer 2

A leaning in a particular direction, a systematic distortion in one’s attitudes and beliefs based on prejudices or pre-existing ideas

Question 3

Culture

Answer 3

“The human-made part of the environment” Herskovits (1955)

Question 4

Cultural bias

Answer 4

Refers to a tendency to ignore cultural differences and interpret all phenomena through the ‘lens’ of one’s own culture

Question 5

Cultural relativism

Answer 5

The idea that norms and values, as well as ehtics and moral standards can only be meaningful and understood within specific social and cultural contexts

Question 6

Ethnocentrism

Answer 6

Judging other cultures by the standards and values of one’s own culture. In its extreme forms it is the belief in the superiority of one’s own culture which may lead to prejudice and discrimination towars other cultures. Probably the most significant cultural bias - the effect one’s own cultural perspective has on one’s perceptions of other cultures

Question 7

Imposed Etic

Answer 7

An attempt to explain behaviour in one culture using theories or other measures of behaviour developed within a completely different culture. To put it anotehr way: taking a culture specific idea, concept or test and inappropriately applying it to another culture. E.g. Bandura applies SLT universally; Yerkes’ use of IQ tests on Ammerican soldiers; using timed IQ tests in Uganda

Question 8

Etic

Answer 8

Behaviour is universal; studying multiple cultures in order to understand things that apply across all cultures E.g. the concept of intelligence

Question 9

Emic

Answer 9

Behavioru is culturally specific, i.e. an example of cultural relativism. The focus on a single culture enables us to understand it within a local context. E.g. IQ, as a western concept of intelligence

Question 10

Individualist culture

Answer 10

Associated with western countries like the US. An individual’s identity is more defined by personal acheivement and independence: personal freedom is valued highly

Question 11

Collectivist culture

Answer 11

Associated with earten countries like india. Identity is defined by collective acheivement and interdependence; the needs of the group are valued highly