I&D 09: Cultural bias (b) A02

Bias in sampling

Explain how research using the Strange Situation cross- culturally has been culturally biased in its samples, and why this matters (4)

* More than ½ of studies in Van IJ & K's meta- analysis from US, rest mostly Western

* Collectivistic cultures under- represented

* Eastern, African and South American cultures not / under- represented

* Non- western cultures more traditional, infants rarely separated from parents- results will not generalise

Bias in sampling

Explain how research in social influence has been culturally biased in its samples, and why this matters (4)

* 12/31 studies using Asch's paradigm for testing conformity took place in collectivistic cultures

* This is somewhat biased

* 0/9 studies using Milgram's paradigm for testing obedience took place in collectivistic cultures

* This is completely biased

Bias in sampling

Explain how research using the Strange Situation cross- culturally has been culturally biased in its samples, and why this matters (4)

* More than ½ of studies in Van IJ & K's meta- analysis from US, rest mostly Western

* Collectivistic cultures under- represented

* Eastern, African and South American cultures not / under- represented

* Non- western cultures more traditional, infants rarely separated from parents- results will not generalise

Bias in sampling

Explain how research in social influence has been culturally biased in its samples, and why this matters (4)

* 12/31 studies using Asch's paradigm for testing conformity took place in collectivistic cultures

* This is somewhat biased

* 0/9 studies using Milgram's paradigm for testing obedience took place in collectivistic cultures

* This is completely biased

Bias in definition / measurement

Explain how the Strange Situation illustrates the concept of an 'imposed etic' (4)

* Strange Situation supposed to be mildly stressful, but is very stressful for Japanese children...

* ...who are rarely separated from mother...

* ... so become very distressed and look like insecure resistant, but aren't really

* Using Strange Situation to measure behaviour in other cultures does not work, i.e., involves an imposed etic

Bias in definition / measurement

Explain how cultural bias could be involved in the diagnosis of schizophrenia (4)

* Belief in communication with dead common outside Western cultures

* Seen as normal and often desirable

* But is assumed to be a sign of schizophrenia by Western psychiatrists

* Involves an 'imposed etic'

Bias in interpreting findings

Explain how Lombroso has been criticised for ethnocentrism / scientific racism. Refer to the eugenics movement in your answer. (4)

* Features of atavistic form often associated with those of African descent, e.g., curly hair, dark skin

* Atavistic = 'uncivilised, primitive, savage'

* Draws on stereotypes of black people

* Links to eugenics movement: saw some (usually non- white) as genetically inferior

Bias in theorising

Explain how the Humanistic approach's use of the concept of self- actualisation could be considered ethnocentric (3)

•* Emphasises an individualistic, Western concept of life.

* Ignores the norms of collectivistic cultures

* These emphasise social interdependence, connectedness to others and obedience within social groups and communities

* The humanistic approach thus risks being ethnocentric: judging cultures who do not emphasise individuality and self- actualisation to be inferior, or even unnatural.