Issues & Debates: Culture Bias

Question 1

What is Culture Bias?

Answer 1

It is the act of judging and interpreting psychological characteristics and behaviours of one culture by holding them to the standards of our own

Question 2

🐺

What is Alpha Bias?

Answer 2

When researchers over-emphasize differences between cultural groups

Question 3

🤏🏽

What is Beta Bias?

Answer 3

When differences are minimised/ ignored between cultural groups.

Question 4

What is Ethnocentrism?

Answer 4

A belief in superiority of one’s own cultural group

Question 5

👩🏽‍⚖️

What is Cultural Relativism?

Answer 5

The view that behaviour cannot be judged properly unless it is viewed in the context of the culture it originates from

only be understood from within that culture, i.e. by taking an emic approach

Question 6

What is meant by ETIC Construct?

Answer 6

Assumes that ideas can be applied to ALL groups, e.g. Starbucks has no variation

Question 7

What is meant by EMIC Construct?

Answer 7

Designed to suit different cultures, e.g. McDonald’s across the world

Question 8

What case study is an example of Culture Bias?

Answer 8

Ainsworth
* imposed etic in psychology

• assumed that attachment could be measured and categorised using the norms and values of her own culture (individualistic, American)

Question 9

List the consequences of Culture Bias?
(P, D, R, LF, B)

Answer 9

• Prejudice, discrimination, racism
• Less funding available to those who are from collectivist, non-Westernised cultures –> may not be considered psychologists
• Behaviour from non-W cultures may be viewed as abnormal as W cultures behaviour becomes the ‘norm’

Question 10

How could researchers avoid culture bias when carrying out a study

Answer 10

• Use a representative sample in their research: stratified sampling would achieve this aim as it reflects the gender and culture demographic within the target population
• Conduct research within the context of the group itself so that there is meaningful participation from women/cultural groups
• Ensure that female and ethnic minority researchers are given funding equal to the dominant group and that published research is given equal status to the dominant group