Culture bias

• Universality - The idea that conclusions drawn from research can be applied to everybody, regardless of time period, gender or culture

  > For example, believing that some behaviours are the same for all cultures
• Culture bias -

  > When studies or theories ignore cultural differences assuming that their findings can be generalised globally

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

  > Some biased researchers believe that their culture is the norm
• Ethnocentrism -

  > The assumption that one ethnic group is superior and emphasising the importance of ones own culture

  > This leads to the belief that behaviours of their own ethnic group is the norm and others are seen as abnormal, leading to prejudice or discrimination

  > For example, several researchers have conducted studies on IQ (IQ tests created by white western researchers) and have identified those from African - Caribbean backgrounds score an average of 15 points less (not a real difference) on IQ tests then Caucasians
• Culture bias AO3 -

  > Research into IQ tests provides a clear example of ethnocentric bias

  > IQ tests developed and tested in the western world so not suitable for other cultures (non-western)

  > Tests have been misused to reinforce western superiority and has led to discrimination and prejudice in immigration policy

  > However, research has shown that when using culturally relative IQ tests cultural differences in scores do not exist
• Culture bias AO3

  > Critics are quick to point out that culture may be a outdated concept

  > Viewing cultures as western and non-western is a lazy generalisation as there are many similarities between cultures due to globalisation and the effect of shared media influences

  > Eg Van Izendoorn and Kroonenberg have shown there is a greater variation within cultures then between cultures

  > Therefore suggesting the concept of culture may lack validity so researchers place more focus on social and economic pressures rather then placing the focus on culture
• Cultural relativism -

  > The appreciation that behaviours vary between cultures and that there is no 'right' or 'wrong' behaviour

  > It is important to consider individuals behaviour within their culture before making a judgement

  > This is because social norms are culturally relative as what is acceptable in one culture may be unacceptable elsewhere

  > For example when defining abnormality it should be appreciated that what is seen abnormal in one culture may not be deemed abnormal in another
• Cultural relativism AO3 -

  > Much research can be criticised for being culturally relative - defining abnormality

  > Different cultures have different norms and expectations

  > Eg. messages sent from spirits could be a symptom of schizophrenia in a western culture but seen as a gift in non-western cultures

  > Therefore it may not be appropriate to use western diagnostic techniques to diagnose mental health conditions in non-western cultures
• Cultural relativism AO3 -

  > Researchers should be cautious when they consider the distinction between cultural relativism and universality

  > Whilst some behaviours are culturally relative it would be inappropriate to assume there is no universality

  > Eg. Ainsworth's research highlighted cultural differences in child rearing practices, despite secure being the most common across all cultures there were differences between insecure avoidant types

  > Therefore it is important to consider how much of research is universal and how much is culturally relative