Cross-Cultural Psychology

Cross-Cultural Psychology
PSY 450
March 7, 2011
Cross-Cultural Psychology
Cross-cultural psychology is a scientific approach to studying both the differences and similarities of people across different environments and cultures. Cross-cultural psychology attempts to describe the cultural effects on human behavior (Shiraev & Levy, 2010). There are various methods used to study and compare different cultures. First, it is important to understand the difference in cultural psychology and cross-cultural psychology. The next step will be to explain the important role of critical thinking in cross-cultural psychology. Then finally, the various uses of methodology that is associated with research in cross-cultural psychology must be explained.
Relationship between Cultural and Cross-Cultural Psychology
Although there would appear to be little difference in what defines cultural psychology as compared to cross-cultural psychology, there is much difference in the minute details of what each discipline studies. Cultural psychology tends to be more interested in the cultural dynamics and how the human behavior and culture compare within sociocultural contexts. Cultural psychology mainly studies the individuals living within a certain culture, and how that culture plays a role in their behavior and beliefs (Praslova, L., 2008).
In contrast, cross-cultural psychology is typically interested in comparing several cultures at once on different variables with the purpose of noting similarities and differences in psychological function. Cross-cultural psychology is basically defined as a critical study in comparisons of the cultural effects on human thoughts and behaviors (Shiraev & Levy, 2011).
Cultural psychologists are interested in the shared behaviors of persons within a cultural group. The belief is that just as a culture can influence an individual’s beliefs, values, and behaviors; so can an individual impose the same influence upon his or her own culture (Berry,...