Culture Bias

Question 1

Universality

Answer 1

Idea conclusion drawn from research can be applied to everybody regardless of time period, culture or gender

E.g believing same behaviours are the same for all cultures

Question 2

Culture bias

Answer 2

Psychological studies/ theories ignore cultural diffrences assuming findings can be generalised globally

Much research has been conducted in western universities meaning results are only applicable to that culture

Some bias researcher assumed their culture is the norm

Question 3

Ethnocentrism

Answer 3

Assumption that one ethnic group/ culture is superior to another

Emphasising importance of ones own culture

Leads to belief that behaviour of ethnic group is norm

And others seen as abnormal can lead to prejudice

Question 4

Ethnocentrism e.g

Answer 4

Researches conducted studies on IQ

and found those from African Caribbean backgrounds score an average of 15 points lower in IQ tests than Caucasian

Question 5

Ao3 Research into IQ tests provides clear example of ethnocentric bias

Answer 5

IQ test been developed and tested in western world

Based on western views of intelligence so not suitable for other cultures

These IQ tests have been misused to reinforced superiority of western culture

And lead to prejudice and discrimination in immigration policy.

However , research has shown when using culturally relative IQ tests cultural diffrences in scores do not exists thus showing

Clear culture bias with the tool damaging consequence of such ethnocentrism/culture bias

Question 6

Cultural relativism

Answer 6

The appreciation behaviours vary between cultures and that there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ behaviour

Importants to consider individuals behaviour within culture before making a judgment

Because social norms are culturally relative as what is considered acceptable in one culture may be unnacetable elsewhere

Question 7

Cultural relativism e.g

Answer 7

When defining abnormality it should be appreciated that what is seen as abnormal in one culture may not be deemed as abnormal in another

Question 8

Cultural relativism Ao3

Answer 8

Much research in psychology can be criticised for lacking cultural relativism

E.g when defining abnormality.

Deviation from social norms is criticized for lacking cultural relativism as different cultures have different social norms

E.g messages sent from spirits could be symptom of sz in western culture

But could be classed as a spiritual gift in non western cultures

Thus due to culture bias it may not be appropriate to use western diagnostical manuals to diagnose mental health conditions in non-western cultures