'Psychological research is culturally biased.' (25)

• Para 1: imposed etics in psychological testing

  • P: One major source of cultural bias in psychology is the use of imposed etics - where methods or theories developed in one culture are wrongly assumed to be universally applicable.
  • E: For example, Myers and Diener (1995) found that subjective well-being (SWB) scores were higher in individualist cultures than in collectivist ones. However, SWB was measured using questionnaires based on Western values, assuming that happiness is individually focused.
  • E: This highlights how psychological tools developed in Western contexts can produce misleading conclusions when applied cross-culturally. The supposed cultural 'difference' might be an artefact of Western-centric measurement rather than a true psychological disparity.
  • L: Therefore, research using imposed etics can distort cultural understanding, reinforcing the idea that psychology is biased toward western norms
• Para 2: ethnocentrism and beta bias

  • P: ethnocentrism is another source of cultural bias, where one’s own culture is seen as the standard against which others are judged, often leading to beta bias.

  • E: a key example is Kohlberg’s theory of moral development, which was developed using American participants and applied universally. His moral dilemmas prioritised individual rights, which align with Western ideals but not collectivist values.

  • E: this represents a beta bias, assuming all cultures develop morality the same way. It fails to account for culturally specific moral reasoning, potentially mislabelling collectivist moral values as “less developed”

  • L: this demonstrates that psychological theories often ignore cultural diversity, reinforcing the claim that psychology is culturally biased
• Para 3: counterpoint - cultural universals and methodological progress

  • P: However, not all psychological research is culturally biased. Some studies provide evidence for cultural universals, and many researchers take steps to minimise cultural bias.

  • E: for example, Buss (1989) found consistent mate preferences across 36 cultures, suggesting some behaviours are biologically determined rather than culturally constructed. Importantly, Buss used indigenous researchers and bilingual translation procedures to avoid imposing Western interpretations.

  • E: this shows growing methodological sensitivity in cross-cultural research. While earlier research may have been biased, modern studies are increasingly careful to ensure cultural validity.

  • L: thus, while cultural bias exists, psychology as a field is evolving to produce more culturally aware and generalisable findings
• Para 4: historical and sub cultural contexts

  • P: cultural bias in psychology isn’t limited to geographical cultures - it also extends to historical and sub cultural contexts.

  • E: Bowlby’s (1944) maternal deprivation theory reflected 1940s child-rearing norms, but these may not apply to today’s society where childcare structures have changed dramatically.

  • E: this illustrates that psychological theories can be context-bound not just by National culture, but also by time and social subcultures, such as using student samples which do not represent wider populations.

  • L: therefore, the concept of “culture” must be expanded beyond geography, and failing to do so reinforces culturally and temporally biased conclusions in psychological research
• Conclusion

  In conclusion, psychological research has historically been culturally biased, particularly through imposed etics, ethnocentrism, and the dominance of Western samples and theories. However, the discipline has become more aware of these issues, with modern research making greater efforts to include diverse perspectives and culturally sensitive methodologies. While cultural bias cannot be entirely eliminated, the extent of bias is decreasing as psychology becomes more global and inclusive. Ultimately, cultural bias is a valid concern, but not an unchangeable flaw.