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.