Cross-Cultural Research

Cross-cultural research is a method of study that psychologists use
to compare data and behaviors of people from differing cultures, rather
than a single culture. In cross-cultural research, you need to ensure
that there is equivalence throughout the study, as well as a lack of
bias in your measures, associations, and conclusions. Equivalence is the
evidence that your research uses the same techniques and measures to
test the same phenomenon across cultures, and this equivalence helps
your research to be considered valid and reliable. In addition to
equivalence, you must be aware of the potential for personal bias in
any cross-cultural research you conduct.

A bias is prejudicial predisposition that can prevent impartial
thinking. In cross-cultural research, a bias can appear in various
forms, such as the Barnum statement (a one-size-fits-all description)
or the self-fulfilling prophecy (your assumptions about others can cause
them to meet those expectations) (Matsumoto & Juang, 2008; Shiraev
& Levy, 2010).

For this Discussion, perform an academic literature search in the
Walden Library for a research study that includes specific
cross-cultural research. Then, analyze the theoretical, methodological,
and ethical issues included in the research study.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4 a brief summary of the research study
you selected, including the topic and conclusions of the study. Then
explain any possible theoretical, methodological, and ethical issues
involved in the study. Finally, share your thoughts about how, as a
scholar-practitioner, you might address one or more of these issues.
Support your responses using the Learning Resources and the current
literature.

References:
Matsumoto, D., & Juang, L. (2008). Culture and psychology (4th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.

Shiraev, E. B., & Levy, D. A. (2010). Cross-cultural psychology:
Critical thinking and contemporary applications (4th ed.). Boston, MA:
Allyn & Bacon.

Byrne, B. M., & van de Vijver, F. J. R. (2010). Testing for
measurement and structural equivalence in large-scale cross-cultural
studies: Addressing the issue of nonequivalence. International Journal
of Testing, 10(2), 107–132.

Chen, F. F. (2008). What happens if we compare chopsticks with forks?
The impact of making inappropriate comparisons in cross-cultural
research. Journal of Personality & Social Psychology, 95(5),
1005–1018.

Li, J., & Karakowsky, L. (2001). Do we see eye-to-eye?
Implications of cultural differences for cross-cultural management
research and practice. The Journal of Psychology, 135(5), 501–517.

Peña, E. D. (2007). Lost in translation: Methodological
considerations in cross cultural research. Child Development, 78(4),
1255–1264.