Concept And Method In Cross Cultural And Cultural Psychology

An overview is given of cross-cultural psychology and cultural psychology, focusing on theory and methodology. In Section 1 historical developments in research are traced; it is found that initially extensive psychological differences tend to shrink when more carefully designed studies are conducted. Section 2 addresses the conceptualization of "culture" and of "a culture". For psychological research the notion "culture" is considered too vague; more focal explanatory concepts are required. Section 3 describes methodological issues, taking the notion of the empirical cycle as a lead for both qualitative and quantitative research. Pitfalls in research design and data analysis of behavior-comparative studies, and the need for replication are discussed. Section 4 suggests to move beyond research on causal relationships and to incorporate additional questions, addressing the function and the development of behavior patterns in ontogenetic, phylogenetic and historical time. Section 5 emphasizes the need for applied research serving the global village.

Part of a set containing the contributions of authors from a variety of nations, cultures, traditions and perspectives, this volume offers an up-to-date assessment of theoretical developments and methodological issues in the rapidly-evolving area of cross-cultural psychology.

Cross-cultural psychology has come of age as a scientific discipline, but how has it developed? The field has moved from exploratory studies, in which researchers were mainly interested in finding differences in psychological functioning without any clear expectation, to detailed hypothesis tests of theories of cross-cultural differences. This book takes stock of the large number of empirical studies conducted over the last decades to evaluate the current state of the field. Specialists from various domains provide an overview of their area, linking it to the fundamental questions of cross-cultural psychology such as how individuals and their cultures are linked, how the link evolves during development, and what the methodological challenges of the field are. This book will appeal to academic researchers and post-graduates interested in cross-cultural research.

The second volume in a set of three, this text incorporates the views of authors from a variety of nations, cultures, traditions and perspectives. It summarizes research in the areas of basic processes and developmental psychology, adopting a dynamic, constructivist and socio-historical approach.

"Few psychology books capture the reader through their table of contents like this one. The book contrasts dominant ideas from Eastern and Western psychology and, in doing so, challenges one's own assumptions ... perhaps the book's greatest strength is the holistic focus on life as a lived experience, which also makes it fun to read."--The Psychologist.

Cross-cultural studies require sound methodology and psychometrics. This book outlines advances in assessment from many expert perspectives.