Cultural Psych. Ch. 6 pg. 194-209, 215-223 Flashcards
Cultural differences in self-descriptions (for example, on the Twenty-Statements Test, due to independent/interdependent self and dialectical/linear self)
American pattern of emphasis on personal characteristics whereas the most of the rest of the world shows a pattern of emphasis on roles and memberships.
Independent self/interdependent self (definition, differences between them, neuroscientific evidence)
Independent self- Americans view themselves as unique, self is described by abstract stable traits and abilities, personality is relatively constant across roles and situations. Interdependent self- most of the non- western world, identity changes across situations, identity is defined by roles, relationships and group members, sharp distinction between in group and out group. FMRI tests show when westerners are asked to characterize themselves and their mothers, two different areas of the brain are activated. When Chinese were asked, the same area was activated.
Aspects of self that are valued in Western vs. East Asian cultures (e.g., uniqueness)
Independent- individuals experience their identities as largely distinct from their relationships, the self is stable and does not change much from situation to situation. Interdependent- considers how their behavior will affect others and must alter their own behavior to what others are thinking and doing.
Ingroup/outgroup distinctions in interdependent vs. independent cultures
Independent- self is distinct from friends and family members, ingroup and out group members can move between these boundaries relatively easily. Interdependent- self is not distinct between family members and friends or groups, people of outgroup status do not easily become ingroup members and ingroup members do not easily dissipate.
Enemies” (prevalence in collectivist vs. individualist cultures)
No enemies in individualistic cultures- One can choose to avoid and not come into contact with those who don’t like me. Yes enemies in interdependent cultures- if enemies are in the ingroup they will have to interact with each other.
Individualism/collectivism (definition, differences between them, sample countries representing each type)
Individualism- United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand. Also more independent in northern states and interdependent in southern states in U.S. Collectivist- Asia, Africa, Latin America, Southern Europe, Eastern Europe, South Pacific. ( more than 80% of the world).
Collectivism in the United States
Although we are predominately independent, doesn’t mean individuals don’t have both independent and interdependent views of the self. Women more collectivistic than men, more collectivistic in rural communities vs. urban cities.
Cultural differences in self-consistency
In one study, participants sat in different contexts (e.g. professor’s office, with another student) and described themselves.
Americans respond more similarly across situations, their responses were unaffected by the environment. Japanese varied in responses depending on the context or who was in the room with them.
Cultural differences in motivation for self-consistency
Motivation for consistency may be cognitive dissonance in independent cultures. In interdependent cultures motivation may be others expectations.
Benefits of self-consistency (in different cultures)
●In the United States, self-consistency has strong positive correlations with well-being, social skills, and likeability.
●In South Korea, researchers found much smaller correlations.
Cognitive dissonance (definition, cultural differences in prevalence)
The distressing feeling we experience when we observe ourselves acting in ways that are inconsistent. This distressing sense is disturbing enough that first we feel a need to get rid of it. So we start acting more consistently. We can also change our attitudes so that we no longer appear to be so inconsistent (dissonance reduction). Canadians show clear evidence that they rationalize decisions using dissonance reduction. Japanese show no tendency to rationalize their own decisions but they will show rationalization decisions that they make for others. ( they have a motivation to have their behaviors be consistent with others expectations.
