Psy 450 Diversity and Cultural Factors in Psychology - Introduction to Cross Cultural Psychology

...

Associated Methodology of Cross-Cultural Research

Research is the foundational method to all scientific disciplines. Void of research, all scientific discipline's would operate ambiguously from randomly misguided assumptions. The research methods applied within cross-cultural psychology entail a continuum of examining cultural comparisons, and contrasts, and elucidating behavioral response aftermath. Investigative psychological methods available to cross-cultural psychologists are observational (controlled vs uncontrolled context), polls (questionnaires and surveys), empirical study (controlled vs uncontrolled variables), content-analysis, psycho-biography, meta-analysis, and panel group methods (Shiraev & Levy, 2010).There are two cross-cultural research subcategories; 1) quantitative, and 2) qualitative. Quantitative research gauges behavioral response by monitoring central tendencies in a controlled setting, (e.g,. laboratory, or clinic). Qualitative research measures behavioral response in a natural setting, (e.g., home visit, or classroom). Strategy is also essential when conducting research. Though, there is an abundance of research strategies, cross-cultural psychologists typically examine subject matter using the methodology of the application-oriented strategy, and the comparative strategy. These strategies seem to offer cross-cultural psychology the most beneficial outcomes in regard to the accumulation of data, and specimens (Shiraev & Levy, 2010).

As stated earlier misinterpreted language seems the most deleterious obstruction to cross-cultural psychology research. In terms of methodology, cross-cultural psychologists must be able to identify, and depict linguistic translations with the utmost authenticity. Furthermore, cross-cultural psychologists should apply superlative attentiveness toward the affirmation of cultural likeness, and differentiation; avoiding biased generalizations.

Conclusion

The societal foundation of culture studied within the disciplined field of cross-cultural psychology constructs societal definitions. These definitions support both individualism, and collectivism. Cross-cultural psychology provides individuals an in depth sense of self, and an abstract perception of personal social role. Cross-cultural psychology also proffers societies a hind sight understanding of their cultural evolution as well as how adaptations of language, behavior, and varied forms of self-expression aided societal survival. Through diverse theoretical approaches, and research methodologies, cross-cultural psychologists analyze, and determine the most suitable means for continued evolution of cultures; ensuing interconnectedness, and social adjustments among all societies. The aspiration of cross-cultural psychology is humanity will one day universally respect, understand, and value societal norms; increasing unity.

References

Hunter, D., A. (2009). A particle guide to critical thinking: Deciding what to do and believe. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Segal, M., H., Dasen, P., R., Berry, J., W. & Poortinga, Y., H. (1999). Human behavior in global perspective: An introduction to cross-cultural psychology (2nd.ed.). Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon

Shiraev, E. B., & Levy, D. A. (2010). Cross-cultural psychology: Critical thinking and

contemporary applications (4th. ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

culture. (n.d.).Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition. Retrieved July 14, 2013, from Dictionary.com website:http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/culture