Cross Cultural Psych Midterm

Cross-cultural psychology

The field of psychology that examines how culture shapes psychological processes and which aspects of human behavior are universal versus culture-specific.

Cultural psychology

The study of systematic relationships between culture and psychological variables; behavior and mental processes result from interactions between culture and the individual.

Cross-cultural psychology vs. cultural psychology

Cross-cultural psychology critically compares psychological phenomena across cultures; cultural psychology studies the relationship between culture and psychological processes.

Etic perspective

An outsider or universal perspective that assumes certain psychological principles can be applied across cultures.

Emic perspective

An insider perspective that examines behavior, beliefs, and practices within the context of a particular culture.

Practical applications of cross-cultural psychology

Applications in education, mental health, human resource management, and public policy to improve cultural understanding, inclusion, and effectiveness.

Ethnocentrism

Viewing one's own culture as central or superior to other cultures.

Ethnorelativism

Understanding and evaluating cultural differences in relation to their cultural context rather than treating one's own culture as the standard.

Bennett's Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS)

A six-stage model describing progression from an ethnocentric view of culture toward an ethnorelative understanding of cultural differences.

Denial

The first stage of Bennett's model; a person is unaware of or uninterested in cultural differences and may view their own way of life as the only real one.

Defense

The second stage; a person recognizes cultural differences but views other cultures negatively and sees their own culture as superior.

Minimization

The third stage; a person emphasizes human similarities and downplays cultural differences, potentially overlooking important cultural nuances.

Acceptance

The fourth stage; a person recognizes, respects, and appreciates differences in cultural norms, values, and practices.

Adaptation

The fifth stage; a person adjusts behavior and communication to interact effectively across cultures.

Integration

The sixth stage; a person incorporates multiple cultural perspectives into their identity and moves between cultural frameworks.

Traditional cultures

Cultures in which social roles are largely prescribed, customs and routines guide evaluations, truth is treated as established, and choices are more restricted by social expectations.

Nontraditional cultures

Cultures in which social roles are more often achieved, individual choice is emphasized, truth is open to debate, and behavior may be evaluated more relatively.

Power distance

The extent to which members of a society accept that power in institutions and organizations is distributed unequally.

Uncertainty orientation

The degree to which members of a society feel uncomfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity.

Individualism

An orientation that emphasizes concern for oneself and one's immediate family or primary group.

Collectivism

An orientation that emphasizes concern for others and care for traditions and shared values.

Acculturation

The process of cultural and psychological change that can occur through contact with another culture.

Honeymoon stage

The first stage of the acculturation process; the person feels fascinated by the new culture and approaches it with curiosity and openness.

Culture shock stage

The stage in which cultural differences become more noticeable and can lead to comparisons, anxiety, uncertainty, and frustration.

Adjustment stage

The stage in which the person begins addressing difficulties, improving language skills, and developing relationships with local people.

Mastering/acceptance stage

The stage in which a person accepts the new cultural environment and understands enough to function and thrive without needing complete cultural knowledge.

Acculturative stress

A response to life events rooted in intercultural contact; people use coping strategies to manage stressors and may experience a range of outcomes.

Emotion or affect

An evaluative response involving some combination of physiological arousal, subjective experience, cognitive processes, and behavioral expression.

Cultural display rules

Culturally specific standards that govern which emotional displays are socially acceptable and how frequently emotions may be expressed.

Intelligence

A set of mental skills or processes used to understand, adapt to changing environments, overcome obstacles, and reach goals.

Theory of multiple intelligences

Howard Gardner's theory that intelligence consists of different abilities rather than one single general ability.

Linguistic-verbal intelligence

The ability to use language effectively and sensitivity to the sounds, meanings, and rhythms of words.

Logical-mathematical intelligence

The ability to think abstractly and identify logical and numerical patterns.

Spatial-visual intelligence

The ability to think in images and pictures and visualize accurately.

Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence

The ability to control body movements and handle objects skillfully.

Musical intelligence

The ability to produce and appreciate rhythm, pitch, and timbre.

Interpersonal intelligence

The ability to recognize and respond appropriately to other people's moods, motivations, and desires.

Intrapersonal intelligence

The ability to understand oneself, including one's feelings, values, beliefs, and thinking processes.

Naturalist intelligence

The ability to recognize and categorize plants, animals, and other objects in nature.

Intelligence vs. intelligent behavior

Intelligence is a mental process that may or may not lead to a particular response; intelligent behavior is the observable response, and what counts as intelligent may vary across cultures.

Environment and intelligence

Interaction with the environment influences the development of mental abilities and the ways people learn to solve problems.

Socioeconomic status and intelligence

Intelligence test scores are generally positively correlated with socioeconomic status; family resources and educational opportunities can support intellectual development.

Human development

Changes in physical, psychological, and social behavior experienced by individuals across the lifespan.

Socialization

The process through which a person becomes a member of a culture and adopts its values and behaviors.

Erikson's theory of psychosocial development

A theory proposing eight developmental stages across the lifespan, each involving a conflict or crisis whose resolution affects adaptation and personality.

Positive resolution of a developmental crisis

A resolution that strengthens the ego and helps a person gain a virtue, supporting healthier adaptation and personality.

Negative resolution of a developmental crisis

A resolution that weakens the ego and can inhibit adaptation, contributing to a less healthy personality.

Erikson's theory from a cross-cultural perspective

Cultural expectations and the amount of choice people have over identity, beliefs, and lifestyle can affect how developmental crises are experienced and resolved.