Research Methods (W2)

Question 1

What are the goals of cross-cultural research?

Answer 1

1. Test theories of one culture to another: To test if one measure in one culture is valid in another (E.g., Oepidal Complex to indigenous groups).
2. Explore and Discover: avoid imposing standards and to create more rich, detailed descriptions of other cultures.
3. Integrate goals 1 and 2:
   - Explore cross-cultural similarities and differences.
   - Hypothesis testing: Explore WHY these similarities/differences may exist.

Question 2

What are the types of cross-cultural research?

Answer 2

Method Validation study (G1)
- To test if a scale, test, or measure existing in one culture exists in another.

Indigenous Cultural Studies (G2)
- Rich descriptions of complex models within a culture.

Cross-Cultural comparisons (G3)
- Comparison of similarities and differences.

Question 3

For Cross-Cultural comparisons, what are the types of these comparisons?

Answer 3

• Exploratory: Examine the similarities and differences between cultures.
• Hypothesis testing: Explore why these differences exist.
• Context factors: Elements in culture or environment which may lead to a change in behaviour.
• Individual level: Individual participants provide data and are a unit of analysis.
• Cultural level: Countries or cultures are units of analysis.

Question 4

What needs to be done before implementing any cross-cultural research?

Answer 4

Cross-Cultural validation studies: Determines if a measure developed in one culture is valid in another.

Question 5

What are the pros and cons of the types of cross-cultural comparisons?

Answer 5

Exploratory studies:
PRO: broad scope for understanding similarities and differences.
CON: limited ability to address causes of these differences.

Hypothesis testing:
PRO: Allows for deeper understanding for why these differences exist. Enhances validity.
CON: May be subject to cultural bias (researcher’s cultural perspective may misunderstand these differences). Also may oversimplify cultural values, beliefs, etc.

Indiividual level studies:
PRO: provides great detail.
CON: time consuming and expensive.

Cultural level studies:
PRO: Helps develop a direction to what to study in a cultural theory.
CON: May be too general, ignores individual differences.

Question 6

What is bias?

Answer 6

Bias is the lack of equivalence, meaning certain responses, ideas, and groups may be favoured against another.

Question 7

What are the types of bias? How would you overcome these biases?

Answer 7

• Conceptual bias: Making sure the frameworks and ideas are applicable across cultures.
  To overcome: Make sure framework and hypotheses are relevant.
• Method bias: Gathering information (sample selection, procedures) requires fairness and shouldn’t favour one culture over the other.
  To overcome: Make sure the sample is diverse but representative of the population, ensure the language and procedures are easy to interpret.
• Measurement bias: Making the materials used to collect data are equal and reliable.
  To overcome: increase use of standardised / established scales :]
• Response bias: When people answer in a specific way. Participants may agree more than disagree, or underplay/exaggerated answers.
  To overcome: Include reverse scoring to catch those who may respond randomly. Include the use of objective measures (e.g., Likert scale) to reduce extreme/underplayed detail from responses.
• Interpretation bias: Researchers may be biased from their own understanding preconceptions about a culture which may influence their interpretation.
  To overcome: Be aware of biases, use a diverse team/more ppl to interpret.