Study Questions Number 5
Shiraev Chapter 2 Methodology of Cross-Cultural Research continued (47-57)
Ali Chapter 2. Under the Talal Tree (19-35)
Student Name _____________________
Date: 9-16-08
Psychology 360
Hal S. Bertilson, Ph.D.
These are study questions for you use and preparation for tests. They are not to be turned in. Test questions will be taken from lectures, writing/discussion assignments, study questions, and other resources linked to the web.
1. What is the "point of critical distinction (PCD)?" How do you use it in cross-cultural research? (S 47)
2. Why is it important in cross-cultural research to pay attention to studies that involve self-evaluation? Explain. (S 47)
3. Why do some experts consider generalizations about individualism and collectivism to be simplistic and inaccurate? Explain. What reasoning error is being referred to in this regard? (S 48)
4. What does it mean to say that individualism and collectivism are relative to different social contexts? Explain. (S 48)
5. Why is critical evaluation of the subject pool important in cross-cultural research? Explain. (S 48)
6. In cross-cultural comparisons our attention is drawn to the studies that demonstrate the most conspicuous, prominent, or salient differences. What harm is caused by this tendency? Explain. (S 49)
7. To avoid making quick generalizations from research findings, Shiraev and Levy make what four recommendations for critical evaluation for cross-cultural research data? Explain the value/purpose of each recommendation. (S 49)
8. Explain how the diversity or homogeneity of a population and people's experience of such diversity may affect observation procedures. (S 50)
9. Few things are as important for cross-cultural psychologists as overall knowledge about countries and people that they study. What are some of the examples of knowing about countries and people studied? (S 50-51)
10. How can social desirability affect measures of collectivism and individualism? (S 51-52)
11. Is Islam the source of female genital mutilation? Explain. (A 31)