Explain the use of one research method in one study of cultural influences on behavior and cognition. Flashcards
(5 cards)
theory
One common research method used in studying cultural influences on behavior and cognition is naturalistic observation. This method involves observing participants in their natural environment without interference, allowing researchers to gather authentic data about how culture shapes behavior in real-life contexts.
aim
Odden and Rochat aimed to study the role of observational learning, based on Social Cognitive Theory, in the enculturation of cultural behaviors in Samoan children.
procedure
This was a longitudinal, naturalistic observational study conducted over 25 months with 28 children in a Samoan village. The researchers observed how children learned culturally important skills, particularly fishing, and their understanding of social norms such as the Chief system. In Samoan culture, adults take a non-interventionist approach, believing children learn by watching and interacting rather than being directly taught.
results
The observations showed that although children were not formally taught to fish, they spent much time watching adults fish. By age 10, children started borrowing fishing equipment without supervision, and by age 12, most could fish competently. Additionally, a multiple-choice test revealed that children had learned core cultural values and social structures through overhearing and observing others, not formal instruction.
Link
Using naturalistic observation allowed Odden and Rochat to capture genuine learning processes within the children’s cultural environment. This method is particularly effective for studying cultural influences because it respects the natural ways culture is transmitted, such as through observation and imitation, rather than artificial laboratory conditions. Thus, this research method provided valid insights into how culture shapes behavior and cognition through real-world social learning.
