Norasakkunit & Uchida (2014)

• Aim: 

  To explain the origins of hikikomori (social isolation syndrome) in Japan by examining the interaction between local Japanese culture and global influences.
• Research Method: 


  Correlational study
• Procedure:

  1. Participants: Japanese university students
  2. Measures:

  • Risk of hikikomori
  • Attitudes towards social harmony
  • Sense of local (Japanese) and global identity

  1. Participants completed standardized tests measuring these variables
  2. Researchers divided participants into high and low risk of hikikomori groups
  3. Analyzed correlations between variables
• Results:

  1. All participants agreed on the collectivist norms of Japanese society
  2. Those with higher risk of hikikomori ranked social harmony values lower
  3. Higher risk individuals showed a greater discrepancy between their ideal self (less focused on social harmony) and perceived Japanese societal values
• Conclusion: 

  The study suggested a conflict between local Japanese culture (emphasizing social harmony) and global culture (emphasizing individualism). This conflict and resulting identity confusion could lead to marginalization and social withdrawal behaviors like hikikomori.
• Strengths:

  1. Addressed a culturally relevant issue (hikikomori) in the context of globalization
  2. Used standardized tests, increasing reliability of measurements
  3. Examined multiple variables, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the phenomenon
  4. Relatively large sample size (195 students), increasing statistical power
• What is a limitation of correlational design in research?


  It cannot establish causality between variables.
• Why is using an analogous approach a limitation in research on hikikomori?


  It limits direct applicability by studying university students instead of individuals with hikikomori.
• What bias is associated with self-reported data?


  Self-reported data is subject to biases such as social desirability and limited introspective ability.
• What is a limitation of cross-sectional design in research?


  It provides only a snapshot, lacking a longitudinal perspective on how attitudes might change over time.
• How does limited generalizability affect research focused on Japanese culture?


  It may not apply to other cultural contexts.
• What is a potential issue with the concept of "global culture" in research?


  It assumes a uniform global influence, which may not be accurate.
• What challenge is associated with operationalizing abstract concepts like "global identity"?


  There is difficulty in defining and measuring such abstract concepts.
• What are the limitations of the research methods discussed?

  • Correlational design: Cannot establish causality
  • Analogous approach: Limits applicability to hikikomori
  • Self-reported data: Subject to biases
  • Cross-sectional design: Lacks longitudinal perspective
  • Limited generalizability: Focused on Japanese culture
  • Oversimplification of "global culture": Assumes uniform influence
  • Difficulty in operationalizing abstract concepts