1. cross cultural

Introduction

• Cultural psychology studies how experiences shape psychological processes and the variability versus universality of psychologies.

Definition of Culture

• Culture: information acquired through social learning that influences behavior, involving shared context, institutions, ideas, and practices.

• Difficulties: unclear boundaries, dynamic nature, individual variability, and non-deterministic cultural membership.

Culture as a Dynamic Construct

• Culture is a dynamic construct where people share similar contexts and cultural messages, influencing individuals differently.

Variation of Psychological Processes Across Cultures

• Psychological processes vary across cultures, influencing understanding of the human mind and leading to research controversies.

The Mind’s Relationship with Culture

• Universal behaviors: language, smiling, number recognition.

• Cultural variations: linguistic differences, cultural practices, conceptual disparities.

• Understanding both universals and variations is crucial.

Contrasting Perspectives: General vs. Cultural Psychology

• General psychology emphasizes universality; cultural psychology highlights variability.

• General psychology views the mind as context-independent; cultural psychology sees the mind as shaped by cultural knowledge.

Empirical Evidence: Mind and Culture Interconnection

• Figure-line task and brain scans show cultural differences in cognitive processes (analytic vs. holistic reasoning).

• Brain plasticity: cultural experiences shape brain structure and function.

Conclusion: Culture and Mind Inseparability

• Culture and mind are inseparable, with cultures shaping minds and vice versa.

• Cultural psychology explains cultural differences in thoughts, actions, and feelings.

The Sambia Case Study

• Sambia tribe: cultural practices transform boys into men through initiation rituals and homosexual behavior.

• Contrasts Western views on sexuality and highlights the importance of cultural context.

What Psychologies Are Universal?

• Universality levels: nonuniversal, existential universal, functional universal, accessibility universal.

WEIRD Studies

• Most psychological data comes from WEIRD cultures, limiting generalizability.

• Examples: Müller-Lyer illusion and cultural values studies.

Reasons to Study Cultural Psychology

• Provides a better understanding of how culture shapes thoughts and emotions.

• Contrasting approaches: color-blind approach vs. multicultural approach.

• Multicultural messages promote inclusivity and improve intergroup relations.

Our Own Connection to Our Culture

• Cultural practices are often invisible to us until compared to others.

• Values and behavior are shaped by cultural experiences, leading to ethnocentrism.

Understanding Subjective Culture

• Culture includes material and subjective elements.

• Subjective culture: ideas, beliefs, norms, attitudes, values.

Beliefs

• Beliefs are cultural ideas about the world, including stereotypes and norms.

Methods of Investigating Culture

• Methods: language analysis, observation, surveys, questionnaires, tests.

Subjective Culture Elements

• Categories: Shared classifications that mirror cultural behavior and values.

• Associations: Links between categories, including etic and emic associations.

• Attitudes: Emotion-charged predispositions toward behavior shaped by cultural values.