Cross-Cultural studies

• 1

  • Psychologists deal with issues of cultural bias by conducting cross-cultural studies to explore how cultural practices influence behaviour and see if some behaviours are innate
• 2

  • For example, Buss (1989), examined mate preferences in 36 countries
  • They found commonalities such as men prioritising youth and attractiveness in their mate, while women valued resources and ambition
• 3 - Counter

  • However, Buss was a western researcher, which means he maymisinterpret local customs and meanings when conducting research in different cultures
  • Therefore, the research may not be very accessible to other cultures and they may struggle to adapt
  • This is an example of observer bias
  • Buss study had issues translating the questionnaires from English to the local language and back meaning results may be inaccurate
• 4

  • The procedures developed in western cultures may not be valid in other cultures, which is imposed ethic
  • Additionally, there is a risk of non-participant groups leading to broad generalisations about cultures as a whole
  • Participants may try to give socially desirable answers, which will also impose problems.