Introduction on culture

Question 1

What are the theoretical approaches to culture?

Answer 1

1. Hofstede’s dimensions.
2. Triandis’ cultural syndromes.
3. Interdependence by Markus and Kitayama.
4. Gelfand’s tight and loose cultures.

Question 2

What is the criticism on Hofstede’s dimensions?

Answer 2

1. How was data gathered? How is information assessed?
2. How much of the differences between cultures is explained by this framework?
   this study was replicated in 2017, with different findings.

Question 3

What is the criticism on Markus and Kitayama’s framework of interdependent selves?

Answer 3

1. Little empirical support.
2. No focus on interdependence as mediator.
3. Need information on date and time for statements of causality and mediation.
4. Assumes dualistic approach, rather than dimensional approach.

Question 4

What are the cultural comparisons drawn by Henrich et al.?

Answer 4

1. Modern industrialized societies vs small scale societies. (Muller-Leyler // dictator game)
2. Western vs non-Western industrialized societies. (Ascher conformity test)
3. American vs other Western societies. (Locus of control)
4. Universities-educated vs. non-university-educated Americans. (cognitive dissonance // post-decisional spread)

Question 5

How can we conceptualize culture?

Answer 5

1. culture as independent variable.
2. culture as confounding variable
3. culture as psychological phenomena.
4. culture as placeholder.