Issues And Debates (paper 3)

Question 1

Give two evaluations that prove cultural bias in psychology.

Answer 1

• Replications of classical studies (Asch and Milgram) showed higher rates of conformity in other cultures
• WW1 IQ tests where ethnocentric and were used to impose the view that non-western pts were inferior

Question 2

Give two evaluations that disprove cultural bias.

Answer 2

• Modern researchers are more mindful in the studies they carry out (emic and cross-cultural type studies)
• increased media globalisation means that cultures are no longer strictly individualistic or collectivist

Question 3

Give evidence showing that the attachment study was culturally biased

Answer 3

Japanese children were seen as insecurely attached (extreme separation anxiety)
This is because they are rarely separated from their mothers

Question 4

Define cultural relativism

Answer 4

The idea that behaviour can only be understood or studied in the cultural norms are taken into consideration

Question 5

How can researchers avoid cultural bias in their research?

Answer 5

• conduct an emic study
• do not generalise findings
• be sensitive to cultural norms when reporting findings
• use researchers native to the culture
• use ppts native to the culture