Chapter 1 Key Terms and Concepts in Cross-Cultural Psychology

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, types of knowledge, cultural dimensions, and orientations from Chapter 1.

Cross-Cultural Psychology

The comparative study of how cultural factors influence human behavior, cognition, and emotion.

The WEIRD Problem

The overrepresentation of Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic populations in psychological research.

Culture

Shared beliefs, practices, values, and symbols passed down through generations within a group.

Scientific Knowledge

Knowledge derived from systematic observation and empirical research.

Folk Theories

Everyday beliefs and assumptions formed by people within a culture.

Ideological Knowledge

Knowledge based on moral values and cultural norms, often tied to religion.

Individualism vs. Collectivism

The extent to which people prioritize individual versus group goals.

Power Distance

The degree to which less powerful members accept unequal power distribution.

Uncertainty Avoidance

How much a society tolerates ambiguity and uncertainty.

Cultural Psychology

Studies how culture and mind shape each other within a specific context.

Race

Socially constructed categories based on physical traits.

Ethnicity

Shared cultural heritage, including language, traditions, and customs.

Nationality

Legal affiliation with a nation-state.

Vertical Orientation

Cultural perspective that accepts and values hierarchical relationships and status differences.

Vertical Individualism

Valuing personal achievement while accepting hierarchical differences.

Vertical Collectivism

Valuing group loyalty while maintaining strict social hierarchies.

Horizontal Orientation

Cultural perspective that emphasizes equality and minimizes status differences.

Horizontal Individualism

Valuing individual independence while maintaining equality.

Horizontal Collectivism

Stressing group goals while maintaining equality among members.