Socio-Cult: Cultural Dimensions/culture influence on behavior and cognition

Question 1

INTRO WHATS CULTURAL DIMENSIONS

Answer 1

One way culture can influence behavior and cognition is by having cultural dimensions. According to Hofstede (1980), cultural dimensions are different ways in which each culture perceives its work environment. Cultural dimensions are perspectives of a culture based on values and norms. Dimensions work on a continuum, so a culture is never 100% one type of perception but there is a preference towards certain behaviors.

Question 2

individualism vs collectivism

Answer 2

This dimension describes whether individuals see themselves as independent or dependent on a social group. Individualistic cultures value achievement, uniqueness, and independence. Collectivistic cultures value social harmony, tradition, and interdependence.

Question 3

RESEARCHER AND AIM

Answer 3

Berry: Whether cultural differences in individualism vs collectivism influence cognition / conformity

Question 4

PROCEDURE

Answer 4

INUITS: individualism, people responsible for their survival

TEMNE: collectivism, share among group members

Researchers measured conformity using the Asch paradigm: They are also tricked into believing that most of the other participants (Temne or Inuit’s, respectively) pick a particular line as the correct answer; * the line is purposefully incorrect.

The measure of conformity in this procedure is whether or not the participant will accept the suggestion of the “majority” and pick an incorrect response because most other group members have chosen it.

Question 5

RESULTS

Answer 5

The Temne had a significant tendency to conform to the groups decisions.

Inuit group were mostly unaffected.
Conclusion The researchers concluded that the individualist Inuit participants conform less often than the collectivist Temne because conformity to group norms is ingrained as a cultural value in the Temne society, which depend on tight social relations.

Question 6

CONCLUSION

Answer 6

nuit participants conform less often than the collectivist Temne because conformity to group norms is ingrained as a cultural value in the Temne society, which depend on tight social relations.

THEREFORE, the study demonstrated that cultural dimensions/culture plays a role in behavior and cognition as seen through conformity.