Explain one cultural dimension with reference to one study.

Question 1

The 5 different aspects of cultural dimensions to be explained

Answer 1

• Cultural dimensions
• Cultural norms
• Ecological fallacy
• Individualism-collectivism
• Long-term/short-term orientated

Question 2

Cultural dimensions

Answer 2

A continuum of values which onto which different cultures are put on to . They describe broad patterns of differences between cultures (rather than individual differences).

Question 3

Ecological fallacy + example with John who is American

Answer 3

When a conclusion is made about individuals based on group members. For example, assuming that because John is an American, he is individualistic.

Question 4

Individualistic-collectivism

Answer 4

Individualistic cultures are those that stress the needs of the individual over the needs of the group as a whole. Collectivism emphasizes the importance of the group and social cooperation.

Question 5

Long-term/short-term orientation

Answer 5

Long-term orientation is when you are focused on the future. Short-term orientation is when you are focused on the present or past and consider them more important than the future.

Question 6

Berry 1967

Answer 6

• Aim:
  To investigate how the individualism-collectivism cultural dimension affects conformity.
• Sample:
  Three cultural groups:

Temne people of Sierra Leone (collectivist, rice farmers)

Inuit people of Baffin Island, Canada (individualist, hunters/fishers)

Scots (used as a control group, undefined on I-C scale)
Each group included both individuals maintaining a traditional lifestyle and those exposed to Western culture.

• Procedure:
  Participants were tested individually.
  They were shown a set of nine lines and asked to match the line on the top to one of the lines below.
  After two practice trials, on the third trial, they were falsely told that most people from their culture chose an incorrect line.
  Instructions were given in participants’ native language by trained interpreters.
• Results:

The Temne showed a significantly higher rate of conformity.

The Inuit showed the lowest rate of conformity, even lower than the Scots.

There was no significant difference between traditional and Western-exposed participants within each group.

• Findings:
  Cultural dimensions influence conformity:

Collectivist cultures (Temne) are more likely to conform.

Individualist cultures (Inuit) are less likely to conform.
Exposure to Western culture did not significantly alter conformity levels within cultures.