Culture in psychology: cultural bias Flashcards
What is culture bias?
The act of interpreting and judge behaviour and psychological characteristics of one culture by holding them accountable to the standards of your own.
Give an example of an alpha culture bias.
Exaggerated distinction between individualist and collectivist cultures. A study looking at differences between Japan and US in terms of collectivist/individualist and conformity found no differences in conformity (collectivist would be expected to be more conforming). Suggests this distinction between culture is no longer applicable.
Give an example of a beta culture bias.
Using IQ testing in other cultures. Western-developed with western views of intelligence - focus on the individual/internal intelligence. Collectivist values intelligence as group intelligence. Other cultures may appear less intelligent on IQ test.
What is ethnocentrism?
Using our own cultural group as a basis for judgements about other cultures. Involves normalising our own culture’s values, beliefs and practices.
Give an example of an alpha bias due to ethnocentrism.
Viewing our own culture as superior: individualist attitudes towards attachment - independence valued. Collectivist - dependence valued.
What is cultural relativism?
The idea that all cultures are worthy of respect and that studying behaviour must consider the culture in which it originates.
How can cultural relativism counter beta bias?
Applying aspects of mental health disorders to other cultures. Hearing voices in our culture - SZ. In other cultures - sign of connection with ancestors. Therefore SZ diagnoses in certain cultural contexts cannot take place, or at least an acceptance that diagnosis is relative to our culture.
What is an ettic approach?
Looks at behaviour from outside of a given culture and attempts to describe those behaviours that are universal.
What is an emic approach?
Functions from within a culture and identifies behaviours that are specific to that culture.
(AO3) Describe an example of an imposed ettic approach in psychological research.
Ainsworth’s strange situation and attachment types. Only used western babies. Attempted to apply universally to other cultures. Inappropriate due to differing cultures, childrearing practices etc.
(AO3) Describe a way to counter ethnocentrism.
Development of indigenous psychologies. E.g. afrocentrism: black people have their roots in Africa and any psychological theories about black people mist be centred around Africa and African values. Opposes idea that European values are adequate and universal representations of all human behaviour. Argues that it devalues other cultures and European theories are irrelevant to those cultures.
(AO3) Describe the implications of culture bias in society.
US army IQ test pre WW1 found European migrants just below average white American in terms of IQ, with African Americans at the bottom. Significantly impacted attitudes towards certain groups. Led to enduring stereotypes concerning minorities and IQ that were based on a culturally biased assessment.
(AO3) How and why is culture bias reducing in psychological research over time?
Researchers in psych are more travelled. Increased understanding go other cultures personally and professionally. International psychological conferences allow cross-cultural ideas to be exchanged. Reduces ethnocentrism due to greater empathy and integrated ideas. Enables understanding of cultural relativism, highlighting differences that should be acknowledged.
