Issues and Debates

Question 1

Cultural bias

Answer 1

Overlooking cultural differences by looking at human behaviour from the perspective of your own culture.

Question 2

Ethnocentrism

Answer 2

A type of cultural bias that involves judging other cultures by the standards and values of one’s own culture.

Question 3

Cultural relativism

Answer 3

The idea that human behaviour can only be meaningful and understood within specific social and cultural contexts.

Question 4

Etic approach

Answer 4

Studying behaviour across many cultures in order to find universal human behaviours.

Question 5

Culture bound syndromes

Answer 5

Groups of syndromes classified as treatable illnesses in certain cultures that are not recognised as such in the West

Question 6

Emic approach

Answer 6

Studying cultures in isolation by identifying behaviours that are specific to that culture.

Question 7

Individualist culture

Answer 7

Refers to Western countries (like the US) that are thought to be more independent.

Question 8

Collectivist cultures

Answer 8

Refers to cultures such as India and China that are said to be more conformist and group-orientated.

Question 9

Imposed etic

Answer 9

A test, measure or theory devised in one culture that is used to explain behaviour in another culture.

Question 10

Research tradition

Answer 10

The familiarity a certain culture has with taking part in psychological investigations.