Psychology Concepts: Universality

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Questions and Answers

What is Accessibility Universal?

The fourth level of universality

The first and highest level of universality (correct)

The third level of universality

The second level of universality

What is Functional Universal?

A cognitive tool that exists across cultures (correct)

A concept that does not exist in all cultures

The least universal concept

A non-cognitive cultural tool

What defines Existential Universal?

A cognitive tool exists but is not used to solve the same problems across cultures (correct)

A concept solely rooted in Western cultures

A cognitive tool is used uniformly across cultures

The highest level of universal cognitive tools

What is Non-universal?

A cognitive tool that does not exist in all cultures and is considered a cultural invention Signup and view all the answers

Discuss some key factors that suggest humans are unique in cultural learning.

Humans rely on cultural learning, are better at imitating prestigious models, and have complex language for communication. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between evoked culture and transmitted culture?

Evoked culture refers to biologically encoded behaviors triggered by situational conditions, while transmitted culture involves learning specific cultural practices through social interaction. Signup and view all the answers

What similarities exist between the evolution of physical characteristics and ideas?

Both the evolution of physical characteristics and ideas tend to favor traits or concepts that are beneficial for survival and can be passed down through generations. Signup and view all the answers

What role does technology play in cultural changes?

Technology contributes to rapidly spreading information, leading to globalization and shifting cultures from collectivistic to more individualistic. Signup and view all the answers

What is pluralistic ignorance?

Pluralistic ignorance is the tendency for people to misinterpret others' thoughts and behave in socially desirable ways rather than expressing their true beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

What is an independent variable in cultural psychology?

An independent variable is the factor that is manipulated or varied in an experiment, such as the culture involved in the study. Signup and view all the answers

State the definition of validity.

A test is valid if it measures what it claims to measure. Signup and view all the answers

What are methodological challenges with questionnaires?

Various biases and cultural differences Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of deprivation bias?

Deprivation bias leads individuals to value aspects of other cultures more if they perceive them as lacking in their own culture. Signup and view all the answers

Define proximal cause.

Proximal causes are factors that have direct and immediate relations with their effects. Signup and view all the answers

Define distal cause.

Distal causes are initial differences that lead to effects over long periods and often through indirect relations. Signup and view all the answers

What is evoked culture?

Evoked culture is the idea that all people have biologically encoded behavioral repertoires that are engaged when appropriate situational conditions occur. Signup and view all the answers

What is transmitted culture?

Transmitted culture is when cultural practices are learned through social learning and modeling behavior from those in close proximity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of pluralistic ignorance?

Pluralistic ignorance refers to the tendency for people to collectively misinterpret the thoughts that underpin others' behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Accessibility Universal

Represents the highest level of universality in cognitive tools across cultures.
Indicates cognitive tools solve the same problems and are equally accessible across different cultures.
Example: Social facilitation, where individuals perform better at well-learned tasks in the presence of others.

Functional Universal

Second level of universality indicating cognitive tools exist across cultures but vary in accessibility.
Although used to solve similar problems, some cultures may utilize these tools more than others.
Example: Variability in the effort invested in punishment for unfairness among different cultures.

Existential Universal

Third level of universality where cognitive tools exist across cultures but serve different purposes or levels of access.
Illustrates differing motivations: Western cultures may find failure demotivating, while East Asian cultures tend to work harder after failures.

Non-universal

Lowest level of universality where cognitive tools do not exist across all cultures and may be culturally invented.
Example: Abacus reasoning, prominently used in parts of the Middle East and Asia.

Human Cultural Learning Abilities

Humans lack physical survival traits like claws or fur, relying instead on cultural learning for dominance.
Cultural learning is faster and more effective in humans compared to other species.
Humans uniquely imitate prestigious models and exhibit an understanding of different intentions, unlike chimpanzees.
Language enables precise communication and facilitates advanced cultural learning.

Evoked Culture vs. Transmitted Culture

Evoked culture encompasses instinctual behaviors activated in specific situations, common to all humans.
Examples: Choosing attractive mates for genetic continuation and defending offspring from threats.
Transmitted culture involves learning cultural practices through imitation and environment, leading to cultural variations.
Examples: Building techniques and effective hunting methods spread through imitation within cultures.

Evolution of Physical Characteristics vs. Ideas

Physical traits evolve slowly through natural selection; genes pass from parents to offspring.
Ideas evolve and spread more rapidly, can be transmitted to many individuals instantly, and are subject to change.
Shared emotional connections enhance the spread of ideas, which can include counterintuitive elements that are memorable and persuasive.

Cultural Changes Over Time

Technological advancements and innovation lead to faster-paced globalization and less interconnected cultures.
Shifts from collectivistic to individualistic orientations are observed, driven by economic pressures and social isolation.
Technology, particularly through television and communication devices, fosters isolation and diminishes direct social interaction.

Role of Pluralistic Ignorance

Pluralistic ignorance leads to a misinterpretation of others' thoughts, promoting cultural persistence.
Individuals tend to act in socially desirable ways, influencing the spread of ideas that may not reflect true beliefs or feelings.

Independent and Dependent Variables

Independent variable: The manipulated factor in research, such as culture in cultural psychology.
Dependent variable: The measured outcome, such as happiness.

Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs

Experimental design involves manipulating the independent variable, observing the dependent variable, and utilizing random assignment.
Quasi-experimental design also manipulates the independent variable and observes the dependent variable, but lacks random assignment.

Validity in Cultural Psychology

A test is valid if it accurately measures what it intends to measure, a concern for cultural psychologists.

Methodological Challenges with Questionnaires

Language barriers can affect understanding and responses across cultures.
Moderacy and extremity biases impact how individuals rate items, influencing cross-cultural comparisons.
Acquiescence bias reflects tendencies to agree with statements, leading to cultural response differences.
Deprivation bias occurs when individuals value what is lacking in their own culture compared to others.
Reference group bias indicates a tendency to compare oneself with members of one's culture.

Proximal and Distal Causes

Proximal causes have immediate and direct effects on outcomes.
Distal causes lead to effects over a more extended period and through indirect pathways.

Evoked and Transmitted Culture Definitions

Evoked culture refers to biologically encoded behaviors triggered by situational conditions shared by all humans.
Transmitted culture encompasses knowledge of cultural practices learned through social imitation and modeling from those nearby.

Pluralistic Ignorance Definition

Refers to the collective misinterpretation of underlying thoughts in others' behaviors, affecting social dynamics.

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Description

Explore the concepts of Accessibility Universal and Functional Universal in psychology. This quiz will test your understanding of how cognitive tools function across various cultures. Delve into examples like social facilitation to enhance your grasp of these foundational theories.