Psy 450 Diversity and Cultural Factors in Psychology - Introduction to Cross Cultural Psychology

Introduction to Cross-cultural Psychology

Candice Hart

PSY/450 Diversity and Cultural Factors in Psychology

Nissa Chadwick

        Culture is an inevitable foundation of society, and the field of cross-cultural psychology.  Culture establishes societal definitions; whether the definitions delineate individualism, or collectivism they are principle. Culture also abets necessary structures, which survival within societies. Culture proffers individuals the opportunity of self expression through linguistics, countenance, and decorum. Culture is a perpetually omnipresent result of social norms, and belief systems created by united members of society. The goal of this paper is to define cultural, and cross-cultural psychology, analyze the correlating relationships conjoining cultural and cross-cultural psychology, and to discuss critical thinking roles; along with associated research methodology.

Cultural and Cross-Cultural Psychology Definition

        Definitions of culture vary in contextual terms, albeit the imminent emergence of culture into the discipline of cross-cultural psychology. One definition states culture is a cumulative inheritance of ideas, beliefs, values, and knowledge, which constitutes the shared basis of social action, and behaviors; characterizing whole societies, or social groups (Collins English Dictionary, 2013). Culture is an acquiescent environmental element, constructed by individuals intrinsically as well as through the extrinsic influence of others within society. Culture also enables individuals to differentiate personally, or uniformly one from another, The discipline of cross-cultural psychology is the branch of psychology, which studies cultural influences upon the individual, or collective behavioral responses within societies. Cross-cultural psychology investigates multifarious social contexts as well as biological, and environmental factors, which pervade human behaviors amidst differing societies. Cultural psychology examines  various key links, which adjoin culture and psychology. Acknowledging the relationship reciprocity between behavior and culture.

Cultural and Cross-Cultural Psychology Relationship

        Cultural psychology amalgamates several psychological disciplines; along with the disciplines of philosophy, and anthropology. The scope of cultural psychology is expansive; with an objective to explore historical cultural effects upon human behavioral response, and the interdependent evolution into present actuation. Cultural psychology functions to explicate human behavioral response by investigating the synergy hinging the union of biological, psychological, and physiological components with culture. These in-depth cross-cultural examinations bring forth expressed societal differences and similarities, which impact human behavioral response. Cultural and cross-cultural psychology both embody cultural aspects; therefore, their premise does not contrast. However, they diverge in concerns. Cultural psychology concentrates upon rationalizing relationships amid humanity, and culture. Cross-cultural psychology centers on comparable practices within varied cultures, and strives to explain their correlating connections (Shiraev & Levy, 2010).

 Role of Critical Thinking in Cross-Cultural Psychology

         The critical thinking process renders copious benefits by enabling individuals the ability to mentally maneuver, and solve large-scale conflicts; based on experiential, and theoretical cognizance. Individuals do not innately acquire critical thinking skills; rather they develop critical thinking skills through deciphering practical situations, and strengthening innovative problem-solving skills. Some key elements of critical thinking include abstract, accurate, and intentional thinking; as well as thought coordination, and concise communication. Critical thinkers exude such characteristics as above average willingness to learn, innovation; in addition to exceptional linguistic, organization, problem-solving, and decision-making skills (Hunter, 2009).

        The aforementioned critical thinking concept of linguistic ability pertains to cross-cultural psychology. Language misinterpretations induce contextual inequity. To avoid discriminatory practices individuals should develop multilingual clarity, and understand the fluctuating power of language. Depending upon the context language can either encourage, empower, damage, or destroy individuals as well as whole societal cultures.  Cross-cultural research requires the separation of personal bias from situational presentations. The separation from professional observations, and personal bias is requisite to depict the reliability, and validity of research.