Cultural Norms

Deductive reasoning

starts out with a general statement, or hypothesis, and examines the possibilities to reach a specific, logical conclusion.

Cultural norms

the rules which indicate the expected behavior in a group. These rules include norms, beliefs, traits and values.

Emic approach

uses data and results to deduce a theory or conclusion, from inductive reasoning

Shiraev and Levy (2004)

A set of attitudes, behaviours and symbols shared by a large group of people and usually communicated from one generation to the next

Matsumoto and Juang (2008)

a unique meaning and information system, shared by a group and transmitted across generations, that allows the group to meet basic needs of survival, pursue happiness and well-being, and derive meaning from life

Cole & Scribner

adapted their instrument in order to make sure that the vocabulary on the lists was relevant to the Liberian children. When researchers assemble an instrument, they are basing the entire concept and structure of the instrument on the culture which they are now immersed in.

Individualist cultures

are cultures where the individual is valued over the group. Self is defined by individual achievement.

Collectivist cultures

are cultures where value the group over the individual. Self is defined by group membership and/or family.

Cultural norms example

is in collectivist cultures respecting your elders is highly valued therefore individuals in these cultures will change their behavior depending on age they are interacting with.

Etic approach

is to have a theory and working towards the theory or conclusion utilizing deductive reasoning.

Inductive reasoning

makes broad generalizations from specific observations.

Cultural dimensions

the perspectives of a culture based on their values and cultural norms. Dimensions work on a continuum - for example, a culture is never 100% collectivist or individualist, but are different levels with a preference for one set of behaviors over another.

Common Fate

this means that is an individual's parents are academics the individual would most likely also become an academic. In an individualist culture however, even if an individual's parents are academics, they are just as likely to become an artist.