Cultural Bias Flashcards
(15 cards)
AO3 (1) cultural bias
There are significant consequences from having cultural bias in research
For example, the IQ test has a controversial history when showing African Americans scoring lower, were used to give scientific credibility to racism and discrimination and even supporting Eugenic practices (e.g. in the 1900s African Americans were force sterilised on the basis of their IQ scores)
This is a negative implication because it demonstrates how psychological research, when culturally biased, can have dangerous real-world consequences and be used to justify unethical treatment of certain groups
CA – However, some may argue that the issue lies more in how the research was misused rather than the research itself. Still, it shows why cultural bias in research must be carefully controlled
This demonstrates the harm that can be caused to people on the basis of psychological research, particularly when research has a cultural bias
AO3 (2) cultural bias
There is a cultural bias in research and sampling
For example, Smith and Bond reported on research into social Psychology from one textbook. It was found that 66% of studies were American, 32% were European and 2% from the rest of the world
This is a negative implication because it suggests research is largely based on WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich, Democratic) samples and lacks representation from global populations
CA – However, some may argue that certain findings may still apply cross-culturally, but the over-reliance on these samples limits generalisability
This demonstrates how the majority of research is conducted on westernised population and so it would be a cultural bias to assume all people’s behaviour can be explained by these limited samples. Furthermore, Scarr (1986) reported how 82% of studies used undergraduate students as participants. Therefore, the samples used do not represent the country in which the study is conducted, let alone then applying it to other cultures as well
AO3 (3) cultural bias
Researchers should not assume all behaviour is culturally relative because there could be some behaviours which have universality
For example, Ekman (1989) established that basic facial expression for emotions have universality. In addition, the notion of interactional synchrony is also thought to be a universal behaviour
This is a positive implication because it shows that some behaviours may be rooted in biology and shared across all cultures, helping identify core aspects of human behaviour
CA – However, his research only used 10 cultures, not very generalisable universally. The level of emotion did differ, especially emotional intensity, so even universal behaviours may vary in expression
Therefore, it should not be assumed that all behaviours are naturally relative and that there are no universal behaviours. To fully understand human behaviour, we have to consider that some behaviours may be universal and some may have cultural relativity
AO3 (4) cultural bias
Researchers shouldn’t overemphasise cultural differences, especially with regards to individualistic vs collectivist distinction
For example, Takano and Osaka (1999) found that in 14 out of 15 studies, the traditional distinction between individual and collectivist cultures did not exist
This is a positive implication because it suggests globalisation may be reducing traditional cultural divisions and making findings more applicable across different groups
CA – However, some may argue that although overlap is increasing, meaningful cultural differences still exist and should not be ignored. Research must be updated, not dismissed entirely
This means that more care is needed when examining cultural differences. This could imply that the development of modern society, in particular the increased interconnectedness between cultures, means that this discussion largely does not apply. Potentially this could mean research is more culturally valid than the critics lead us to believe
AO3 (5) cultural bias
An advantage of increasing the awareness of cultural bias is that it has had major practical and theoretical applications
For example, understanding of cultural differences in mental illness has led to updates to the DSM. Such as including a section of culturally bound syndromes specific to our culture
This is a positive implication because it shows how Psychology is becoming more inclusive and better suited to global populations
CA – However, some may argue that although changes have been made, they may still not go far enough in fully representing all cultural differences in diagnosis and treatment
By identifying issues of cultural bias, we have significantly increased our understanding of the impact of culture. This is a strength because it has also resulted in Psychology reducing the charges of ‘scientific racism’ in addition to ensuring research, conclusions show there is greater validity and applicability to a range of people
What is cultural bias?
Judging people or behaviours through the lens of your own culture, which can distort or misrepresent findings.
What is cultural relativism?
The idea that behaviours and values can only be properly understood within their cultural context.
How does Milgram’s obedience study show cultural relativism?
Obedience rates varied widely across cultures – 90% in Spain vs. 16% in Australia – suggesting that results can’t be universally applied.
What is alpha bias in cross-cultural psychology?
Assuming real and fixed differences between cultures, which may overlook universals.
Example: The assumption that collectivist cultures are always more conformist – challenged by Takano & Osaka.
What is beta bias in cultural psychology?
Ignoring cultural differences and assuming findings apply universally.
Example: IQ tests developed in the West being used in non-Western cultures, assuming all cultures define intelligence the same
What is ethnocentrism in psychology?
Evaluating other cultures based on the norms and standards of your own. Can lead to discrimination and misinterpretation.
How is Ainsworth’s Strange Situation ethnocentric?
It judged German children as insecure-avoidant for not showing separation anxiety, based on American norms.
What are indigenous psychologies?
Theories developed within specific cultures to avoid ethnocentrism and better reflect local values and behaviours.
What is the emic approach?
Studying behaviour within a culture to understand it from that culture’s perspective.
What is the etic approach?
Looking for universal behaviours across cultures, ideally using indigenous researchers to reduce bias.
