Issues and Debates: Culture Bias NEW Flashcards
What is culture bias?
When psychological studies ignore cultural differences assuming findings can be generalized globally.
Much research has been conducted in Western universities, leading to results that may only apply to that culture.
Define universality in psychological research.
The idea that conclusions can be applied to everybody, regardless of time period, gender, or culture.
This includes the belief that some behaviors are the same for all cultures.
What is ethnocentrism?
The assumption that one ethnic group or culture is superior to others, leading to prejudice and discrimination.
It emphasizes the importance of one’s own culture as the norm.
AO3: How have IQ tests exemplified ethnocentric bias?
IQ tests developed in the Western world based on Western views of intelligence are unsuitable for other cultures and can lead to discrimination in immigration.
This misuse has reinforced the superiority of Western culture and led to discrimination.
AO3: What did research show about culturally relative IQ tests?
Culturally relative IQ tests indicate that cultural differences in scores do not exist.
This highlights the culture bias of standard IQ tests.
What criticism is made regarding the concept of culture?
Viewing cultures as individualistic/western or collectivist/non-western is a lazy generalization.
Increased interconnectedness and shared media influences lead to more similarities between cultures.
What is cultural relativism?
The appreciation that behaviors vary between cultures and that there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ behavior.
It emphasizes understanding individuals within their cultural context.
AO3: Why is deviation from social norms criticized in psychology?
It lacks cultural relativism as different cultures have different social norms and expectations of behavior.
For example, spiritual messages may be seen as schizophrenia in one culture and a gift in another.
AO3: What caution should researchers take regarding cultural relativism and universality?
Researchers should recognize some behaviors may be culturally relative while acknowledging some universality exists.
Ainsworth’s research shows secure attachment is common, but insecure types vary across cultures.
Fill in the blank: Cultural bias can lead to _______ in psychological research.
discrimination.
True or False: Cultural relativism suggests that all behaviors are judged the same across cultures.
False.
What is this an example of: The appreciation that behaviors vary between cultures and that there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ behavior.
Cultural Relativism
AO3: Why is viewing culture as individualistic/western or collectivist/non-western a lazy generalisation?
There are many SIMILARITIES between cultures due to increased interconnectedness (globalisation) and the effect of social media
Why does Van Ijzendoorn’s research investigating cultural variations of attachment emphasise that viewing cultures as westen and non-western is a lazy generalisation?
Their research showed there is greater variation WITHIN cultures than between cultures in attachment types.
- perhaps we should place more focus on social and economic pressures rather than culture.
The assumption that one ethnic group or culture is superior to others, leading to prejudice and discrimination is known as?
Ethnocentrism
