5. Cross cultural Psychology

Summary

The transcript explores the field of cross-cultural psychology, emphasizing its hybrid nature and influence from biological sciences. It discusses the emergence of multicultural psychology and the significance of local wisdom in understanding psychological concepts across different cultures. Examples include comparisons of parenting styles among various Indonesian ethnic groups and emotional expressions of different communities. The need for a comprehensive approach to psychology that incorporates cultural backgrounds is highlighted, along with the role of qualitative methods, such as ethnography, in deepening our understanding of psychological phenomena across cultures.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cross-cultural psychology combines insights from various disciplines, including biology and social sciences.
• 😀 Psychology has been significantly influenced by biological sciences, overshadowing the role of social sciences and humanities.
• 😀 The emergence of multicultural psychology in the 20th century marked a shift towards understanding psychological phenomena through cultural lenses.
• 😀 Key research areas include attachment theory, which examines psychological traits across different cultural backgrounds.
• 😀 Quantitative methods utilize scales for measurement, while qualitative methods offer deeper insights into cultural contexts.
• 😀 Ethnographic studies can explore parenting styles among different ethnic groups in Indonesia, such as Javanese, Sundanese, and Madurese.
• 😀 The Faculty of Psychology in Indonesia has conducted numerous studies utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods for cross-cultural comparisons.
• 😀 Research has compared levels of independence in coastal versus mountainous communities, showcasing cultural differences.
• 😀 Ongoing developments at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) aim to integrate cultural backgrounds into psychological research.
• 😀 The work of Margaret Mead in Samoa serves as an example of cross-cultural comparison, highlighting the importance of cultural contexts in psychology.

Q & A

What is cross-cultural psychology?

Cross-cultural psychology studies how cultural factors influence human behavior and mental processes, examining the variations and similarities in psychological practices across different cultures.

How has cross-cultural psychology evolved in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, cross-cultural psychology has evolved by integrating local cultural influences into psychological studies, moving away from a sole focus on biological sciences to include social and cultural contexts.

What are the two primary methodologies used in cross-cultural research?

The two primary methodologies are quantitative methods, which utilize scales and statistical analysis, and qualitative methods, which involve in-depth explorations through approaches like ethnography.

Can you give an example of a quantitative research topic in cross-cultural psychology?

An example is researching the levels of independence in coastal versus mountainous communities, comparing how cultural contexts affect individuals' sense of autonomy.

What qualitative methods are mentioned in the transcript?

The transcript mentions ethnography as a qualitative method that provides deeper insights into cultural practices and beliefs.

How does local wisdom influence psychological studies in Indonesia?

Local wisdom enriches psychological studies by incorporating cultural beliefs and practices, leading to a more nuanced understanding of mental health and behavior.

What specific research comparisons were highlighted in the transcript?

The transcript highlights comparisons of emotional expressions among different ethnic groups, such as Javanese, Batak, and Makassar, and parenting styles across various Indonesian ethnicities.

What is the significance of multicultural psychology in the context of the transcript?

Multicultural psychology is significant as it recognizes the diverse cultural backgrounds that shape psychological experiences, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of behavior across cultures.

What role do cultural factors play in the research of psychological phenomena?

Cultural factors play a crucial role in understanding psychological phenomena, as they can significantly influence behaviors, emotional expressions, and social practices.

How does the speaker suggest advancing psychology in Indonesia?

The speaker suggests that advancing psychology in Indonesia involves integrating cultural perspectives into research, thereby fostering a more holistic understanding of mental health and behavior.