Social Topic 10 Flashcards
Cross-Cultural Psychology
Studies how psychological theories apply across cultures, identifying universal vs. culture-specific phenomena.
Universality vs. Cultural Specificity
Universal psychological processes exist, but culture shapes their expression and meaning.
Etic Approach
A perspective assuming certain psychological principles apply across all cultures.
Emic Approach
A perspective recognising that psychological experiences are culture-specific.
The WEIRD Problem
Most psychological research is based on Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) societies, limiting generalisability.
Culture-Bound vs. Culture-Blind Theories
- Culture-Bound: Developed within a single cultural context, limiting applicability.
- Culture-Blind: Fails to account for cultural differences in psychological research.
Independent vs. Interdependent Self
- Independent (Western): Emphasises autonomy, uniqueness, and personal goals.
- Interdependent (Eastern): Emphasises social harmony, group identity, and collective goals.
Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions
- Framework for understanding cultural differences across six key dimensions.
Individualism vs. Collectivism
- Individualism: Focus on personal goals, autonomy, and self-expression.
- Collectivism: Emphasis on group harmony, social roles, and relationships.
Power Distance
The degree to which less powerful members of society accept hierarchical structures.
Uncertainty Avoidance
How cultures tolerate ambiguity and risk.
- High uncertainty avoidance: Preference for rules, structure, and predictability.
- Low uncertainty avoidance: More openness to change and innovation.
Masculinity vs. Femininity
- Masculine cultures: Value competition, assertiveness, and achievement.
- Feminine cultures: Emphasise care, quality of life, and social cooperation.
Long-Term vs. Short-Term Orientation
- Long-Term: Future-focused, adaptable, values perseverance.
- Short-Term: Focus on tradition, stability, and immediate outcomes.
Indulgence vs. Restraint
Indulgence: Encourages enjoyment and fulfilment of desires.
Restraint: Values self-discipline and control over gratification.
Acculturation Strategies (Berry, 1990)
- Integration: Maintaining home culture while adopting elements of the new culture.
- Assimilation: Fully adopting the new culture, abandoning the original one.
- Separation: Rejecting the new culture and maintaining only the home culture.
- Marginalisation: Losing connection with both cultures, leading to social isolation.
Quantitative Research
Structured data collection, statistical analysis, aims for objectivity (e.g., surveys, experiments).
Qualitative Research
Explores experiences and meanings through open-ended data (e.g., interviews, observations).
Replicability Crisis in Social Psychology
Many classic psychological studies fail to replicate due to methodological flaws or cultural differences.
Factors Contributing to Poor Replicability
- Over-reliance on WEIRD samples.
- Publication bias favouring significant findings.
- Researcher biases (p-hacking, HARKing).
HARKing (Hypothesising After Results are Known)
Creating hypotheses based on data patterns rather than testing pre-existing theories.
P-Hacking
Manipulating data to find statistically significant results (e.g., selective reporting).
The File Drawer Problem
Studies with non-significant results are often not published, leading to bias in research literature.
Improving Replicability
- Pre-registering studies to prevent bias.
- Using larger sample sizes.
- Encouraging open data sharing.
- Publishing replication studies.
Fundamental Attribution Error (FAE)
- Tendency to overemphasise personal traits and underestimate situational factors when explaining others’ behaviour.
- Stronger in individualistic cultures (e.g., USA).
- Weaker in collectivist cultures (e.g., India), where situational factors are more emphasised.
Conformity (Asch, 1951)
The tendency to align behaviours with group norms.
- Higher in collectivist cultures where group harmony is valued.
Obedience to Authority (Milgram, 1963)
- Research suggests obedience is universal, but its interpretation varies culturally.
- In some cultures, obedience is seen as respect rather than blind compliance.
Aggression and Culture
Anger is a universal emotion, but its triggers and expression vary by culture.
- Example: “Culture of Honour” in the Southern USA encourages aggression in response to insults.
Culture-Bound Syndromes
- Mental health disorders specific to certain cultures, shaped by social norms and beliefs.
- Example: Taijin Kyofusho (Japan) – Social anxiety disorder linked to fear of embarrassing others.
Eating Disorders Across Cultures
- Medieval Europe: Anorexia was linked to religious fasting.
- Modern societies: Eating disorders are associated with body image and media influence.
Cultural Interpretations of Mental Health
- Western cultures: Depression is an accepted emotional struggle.
- China: Psychological distress is often expressed as physical fatigue rather than depression due to social stigma.
The Lab Problem
Laboratory experiments isolate variables but ignore participants’ cultural backgrounds, limiting real-world application.
Decolonising Psychology
- Recognising the dominance of Western perspectives in psychology.
- Integrating diverse cultural insights into psychological research.
Towards a Universal Psychology
Developing psychological theories that incorporate cultural diversity rather than being WEIRD-centric.
