Issues and Debates - Cultural Bias Flashcards
What is cultural bias?
Cultural bias refers to a tendency to ignore cultural differences and interpret all phenomena through the lens of one’s own culture.
What is ethnocentrism?
Ethnocentrism refers to judging other cultures by the standards and values of one’s own culture. In its extreme form, it is the belief in the superiority of one’s own culture, which may lead to prejudice and discrimination towards other cultures.
What is cultural relativism?
Cultural relativism is the idea that norms and values, as well as ethics and moral standards, can only be meaningful and understood within specific social and cultural contexts.
What is an example of ethnocentrism in research?
Mary Ainsworth’s Strange Situation (1970) is an example of ethnocentrism. The research was criticized as reflecting only the norms and values of American culture. For example, German mothers were seen as cold and rejecting rather than encouraging independence in their children.
What is an example of imposed etic?
An imposed etic occurs when a researcher assumes that their own cultural norms apply universally. Berry et al. (1969) highlighted the distinction between imposed etic and derived emic in cross-cultural studies, urging researchers to consider cultural relativism.
What is one evaluation point?
Point: The distinction between individualist and collectivist cultures may no longer apply in a globalized world.
Evidence: Takano and Osaka (1999) reviewed 14 studies comparing the US and Japan and found no evidence of the traditional distinction between individualism and collectivism.
Explanation: This challenges assumptions about cultural differences and suggests cultural bias may overemphasize such distinctions in research.
Link: Addressing this bias is critical to ensure findings are applicable to diverse populations and not limited by outdated classifications.
What is one evaluation point?
Point: A balance between cultural relativism and universality is necessary in psychological research.
Evidence: Berry’s concept of imposed etic reminds psychologists of the need to consider culturally specific behaviors, but universal behaviors such as attachment (e.g., interactional synchrony) should not be overlooked.
Explanation: While emphasizing cultural differences helps avoid bias, it is equally important to recognize universal behaviors to maintain a holistic understanding of human psychology.
Link: Integrating both perspectives ensures research findings are both globally relevant and culturally sensitive.
What is one evaluation point?
Point: Cross-cultural research may produce invalid results due to participant unfamiliarity with research traditions.
Evidence: For example, Bond and Smith (1996) highlighted how demand characteristics may be exaggerated when working with local populations unfamiliar with scientific investigation.
Explanation: This can reduce the validity of findings, as responses may reflect compliance rather than genuine behavior.
Link: Researchers must adapt methodologies to suit cultural contexts to improve the reliability and authenticity of their findings.
What is one evaluation point?
Point: Variables may not be experienced in the same way across different cultures, impacting research validity.
Evidence: For instance, the behavioral expression of aggression may differ, with cultures varying in how they label behaviors such as shouting or assertiveness.
Explanation: These differences in operationalization mean findings cannot always be directly compared across cultures, reducing generalizability.
Link: Greater cultural awareness in operationalizing variables is essential to producing valid cross-cultural research.
