Search

Purpose: This paper aims to present an approach to intercultural training (IT) in which course participants are informed about various approaches to differences between peoples. Pitfalls in communication are identified that are due to overgeneralization of incidental observations of behavior and to psychological mechanisms such as stereotyping, ethnocentrism and attribution. Effects of poor command of a second language and paralinguistic factors are also included. Design/methodology/approach: Intercultural communication training or IT programs often over-generalize incidental observations and make attributions about broad differences between "us" and "others". An approach to IT is described that challenges the way in which notions about "culture" and "cultures" tend to be used. Findings: A training module based on the principles mentioned is described that was originally developed for military officers preparing for international peace-keeping and peace-building missions and later has been administered in various settings and countries. Research limitations/implications: An exit questionnaire and postmission interviews have suggested positive effects of the training, but more systematic evaluation research is needed. Practical implications: Cross-cultural communication (3C) training is mostly about how other people differ from "us". Better understanding may be gained with an approach that emphasizes how much humans everywhere are alike and that perceived differences can also be in the eye of the beholder. Social implications: Mutual understanding is critical to positive interaction. The approach to 3C training taken here explains how much humans everywhere are alike and puts manifest differences into perspective. Originality/value: The training module builds on available knowledge, notably from cross-cultural psychology. Except for a questionnaire to demonstrate ethnocentrism, there is hardly new information. However, the approach arranges available knowledge in a way that is rather novel for the field of 3C training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We comment on the argument by Welzel, Brunkert, Kruse and Inglehart (2021) that theoretically expected associations in nomological networks should take priority over invariance tests in cross-national research. We agree that narrow application of individual tools, such as multi-group confirmatory factor analysis with data that violates the assumptions of these techniques, can be misleading. However, findings that fit expectations of nomological networks may not be free of bias. We present supporting evidence of systematic bias affecting nomological network relationships from a) previous research on intelligence and response styles, b) two simulation studies, and c) data on the choice index from the World Value Survey (WVS). Our main point is that nomological network analysis by itself is insufficient to rule out systematic bias in data. We point out how a thoughtful exploration of sources of biases in cross-national data can contribute to stronger theory development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Principles of methodology in (cross-)cultural psychology are discussed and how these work out in practice. We propose that the frequently mentioned contrasts between context-specificity and universality of psychological functioning, and between qualitative and quantitative research traditions can be transcended by an empirical cycle in which both qualitative methods geared to exploration and quantitative methods geared to testing of hypotheses are acknowledged. We note issues in research due to non-random sampling, lack of psychometric equivalence of data, and nesting of individuals in populations. We argue that concerns about poor reproducibility in psychology cannot be ignored in cross-cultural psychology and make suggestions how research can be improved by treating this not as a threat but as an opportunity to expand cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this essay, we consider Gustav Jahoda’s contributions to empirical research and conceptual reflection in the fields of cross-cultural and social psychology. The first section draws attention to what we see as salient characteristics of his empirical research. The second section describes Jahoda’s critiques of some iconic theoretical concepts and distinctions. The third section describes his historical interest in the development of the two fields, with cultural context as a focus. In the conclusion section, we mention why Jahoda’s contributions need to be taken into account by current researchers and those to come. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We address methodological challenges in cross-cultural and cultural psychology. First, we describe weaknesses in (quasi-)experimental designs, noting that cross-cultural designs typically do not allow any conclusive evidence of causality. Second, we argue that loose adherence to methodological principles of psychology and a focus on differences, while neglecting similarities, is distorting the literature. We highlight the importance of effect sizes and discuss the role of Bayesian statistics and meta-analysis for cross-cultural research. Third, we highlight issues of measurement bias and lack of equivalence, but note that recent large-scale projects involving researchers across many countries from the beginning of a study have much potential for overcoming biases and improving standards of equivalence. Fourth, we address some implications of multilevel models. Cultural processes are multilevel by definition and recent statistical advances can be used to explore these issues further. We believe this is an area where much theoretical work needs to be done and more rigorous methods applied. Fifth, we argue that the definition of culture and the psychological organization of cross-cultural differences as well as the definition of cultural populations to which research findings are generalized requires more attention. Sixth, we address the scope for anchoring cross-cultural research in biological variables and by asking multiple questions simultaneously, as advocated by Tinbergen for classical ethology. Bringing these discussions together, we provide recommendations for enhancing the methodological strength of culture-comparative studies to advance cross-cultural psychology as a scientific discipline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This obituary draws attention to the contributions by Çiğdem Kağıtçıbaşı in the fields of developmental psychology and cross-cultural psychology. Three themes are mentioned: research on the value of children, early childhood enrichment programs, and conceptualization of the autonomous related self. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We investigated the relationship of exposure to Spanish and socioeconomic status (SES) with reading and math standardized test scores among third and sixth grade pupils in Guatemala. The results of a multi-group structural equation model and multivariate analysis of covariance led us to conclude that SES and exposure to Spanish are associated to achievement across grades, ethnicities, and area of residence. Exposure to Spanish is more relevant in lower grades whereas area of residence is a consistent predictor across grades. Analysis of equivalence for the various groups suggests a set of consistent relationships across ethno-linguistic groups. Our results confirm previous research indicating that SES is a positive predictor of school achievement and that the compatibility of the pupil's familiarity with the testing language is positively related to achievement results. We recommend that linguistic competency heterogeneity in terms of competency level in each language be considered and that bilingual interventions be developed, as opposed to adopting models that assume homogeneous linguistic ability across ethnicities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Interamericana de Psicología is the property of Sociedad Interamericana de Psicologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Indonesian leadership characteristics were examined in three studies, using mixed methods. In the first, qualitative study 127 indigenous characteristics of Indonesian leadership were identified from interviews and focus group discussions with Indonesian managers and staff. In the second study, a questionnaire based on the characteristics found in the first study was administered to Indonesian managers to identify Indonesian leadership styles. Using factor analysis, two highly correlated dimensions were extracted, labelled benevolent paternalism and transformational leadership. In the third study, a questionnaire consisting of leadership characteristics from the GLOBE study, supplemented with a selection of 49 items from the Indonesian questionnaire, was administered to another sample of Indonesian managers. We found that Indonesian leadership has two components; the first involves a more local modernization dimension that ranges from (traditional) benevolent paternalism to (modern) transformational leadership, the second is a more universal person- versus team-oriented leadership dimension. We conclude that Indonesian leadership has both emic and etic aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Value dimensions are used widely to make distinctions between countries and also serve to explain behaviour of individuals within countries. There is a paradox: leading researchers (Hofstede, 1980; Schwartz, 1994) have been adamant that country-level value structures differ from those at individual level. A recent analysis has suggested that dimensional structures at the two levels show substantial overlap. The current multi-level study extends previous research by examining to what extent ratings of the values of others can serve as an intermediate structure to help determine the degree of isomorphism between individual and culture-level structures. The findings indicate that a single value structure across levels is most parsimonious. Implications for international business research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The authors examine the cross-cultural equivalence of the internal structure of the values domain, as measured by the Schwartz Value Survey. Data come from 38 countries, each represented by a student and a teacher sample. In seeking to distinguish lack of fit of the theorized value model from a lack of equivalence in the data and the impact of random sampling fluctuations from valid structural differences, the authors find the following: (a) The Schwartz value theory provides an excellent representation of the average value structure across samples; (b) sampling fluctuation causes deviations from this average structure; (c) sampling fluctuation cannot account for all these deviations; (d) samples of students fit the overall value structure better than samples of teachers, and samples from Western countries better than those from non-Western countries; and (e) the deviations from the average structure exhibit a systematic pattern: the higher the level of societal development of a country, the greater the contrast between protection and growth values. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this article, the authors discuss the transfer to Guatemala of an integral health education program, originally developed for indigenous women in southern Mexico. The program was implemented with some 400 indigenous women in rural Guatemala living under dire poverty, and was carried out through a closely supervised cascade process in which specially trained local women conducted workshops to their fellow countrywomen. The program aimed at imparting knowledge as well as enabling changes in behavior with respect to everyday life issues, including nutrition, hygiene, sanitation, and sexual and reproductive health. Evaluation of the impact through questionnaires and direct observations showed significant increases in knowledge and actual behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Interpretations of cross-cultural differences in performance on cognitive tasks tend to rely on broad concepts, such as general intelligence or cultural modes of thinking. In this study, the authors examine two proximate parameters, stimulus complexity and task exposure, using reaction time (RT) and event-related brain potentials (ERPs) recorded during various tasks. Five tasks differed in complexity but had similar stimulus content; one task had stimuli of different appearance. Test trials were administered across three days. Participants were trained on most tasks for two days. There were three samples, rural Venda youngsters in South Africa with little schooling, Venda university students, and Dutch university students. Cross-cultural differences in RT increased with task complexity and decreased with exposure. Substantial correspondence was found between patterns of RT and latency of the N2, an ERP component related to stimulus categorization. Our results fit an explanation in terms of task familiarity. Implications for culture-cognition relationships are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A school-based life skills and sexuality education HIV/AIDS program for adolescents was evaluated in Toluca, Mexico, through a quasi-experimental pre–post design with 1,566 cases, divided over a control group and an experimental group. Based on a previously tested path model, 3 levels of variables were included as a guide for the contents of the program: personal variables (self-knowledge, self-efficacy regarding condom use, and decision making), intervening variables (subjective norms about, knowledge about HIV/AIDS, and attitudes toward condoms), and outcome variables (communication on sexuality and intentions to use condoms). Evaluation was conducted following these categories. Significant increases in all of these variables recognized as precursors of safer sex were found in the experimental group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Psychology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article reports on the development and administration of a programme in seven rural villages in the Mexican state of Oaxaca to address high rates of cervical cancer. The rationale and strategy are described on which the programme is based. The development and administration of the programme (to 1513 women) is presented, aimed at enabling women to take better care of themselves. Various additional activities that were added in the course of the programme in order to facilitate contextual factors are also described, including community campaigning, programmes with men and the training of health personnel. Effectiveness was evaluated in terms of both process and impact indices, showing high rates of attendance at programme sessions by enrolled women, an increase in knowledge and a substantial increase in the number of preventive diagnostic tests. The final section reflects on both the achievements, and the scope and the limitations of the programme. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theoretical variables were examined for their empirical relevance as precursors of safer-sex behavior in 2,011 Mexican adolescents, most of whom were not sexually experienced. Using structural equation modeling, a good fit was found for a path model with (a) partner communication and intention to use condoms as outcome variables; (b) self-esteem, self-efficacy, and decision making as antecedent variables; and (c) perceived norms about sexual practices, attitudes toward condom use, and knowledge of HIV as mediating variables. A good fit also was found for a slightly elaborated model involving condom use as outcome variable that was fined in a subsample with 319 adolescents who reported sexual experience. Gender differences are discussed, as well as implications for intervention programs promoting safer-sex behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the globalization of indigenous psychologies. The question as to what constitutes the subject matter of cross-cultural psychology, usually phrased in terms of a dichotomy between unity and culturedness of the human psyche, remains a central issue. It has been argued that the contrast between psychology as a natural science and as a historical or cultural science is a dichotomy of little relevance for what he refers to as Asian social psychology, because of the monistic ontology prevalent in this part of the world.

Purpose--The paper presents a framework for establishing equivalence of international marketing data. The framework is meant to reduce confusion about equivalence issues, and guide the design of international studies and data analysis. Design/methodology/approach--A short overview is given of the two main approaches to equivalence in the literature. These are integrated and used to distinguish sources of cultural bias in the various stages of the research process. Findings--The highest levels of equivalence most often established are construct equivalence and partial measurement equivalence, implying that distributions of scores obtained in various countries cannot be interpreted at face value. To understand cross-cultural differences better, researchers should investigate why higher levels of equivalence could not be established; this can be done best by including elements from both the conceptual and the measurement approach to equivalence. Practical implications--This study can help marketing managers to establish the extent to which consumer perceptions can be considered equal across countries. Moreover, it helps researchers to determine causes of unequivalence and relate these to concrete stages in the research process. Originality/value--Integration of the two main approaches to equivalence will lead to a better understanding of the validity of cross-cultural differences and similarities. This should lead to improved decision making in international marketing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Arabic, there are two ways, differing in length, of pronouncing each digit. This feature of word pairs that are conceptually identical but of different length allows for a stricter test of the phonological loop hypothesis than has been reported previously. Libyan schoolchildren, both boys and girls, of two grades took part in a quasi-experimental study in which shorter and longer digits and shorter and longer words were presented in recall and pronunciation tasks. The results confirmed the validity of the phonological loop model in that memory span was longer for shorter stimuli. Analysis of the data with structural equation modeling showed that only 17% of the individual-level variation in memory span could be explained by pronunciation speed. In an analysis of covariance, it was determined that pronunciation speed could account for a substantial proportion of the variation found across age (8- year-olds vs. 10-year-olds), stimulus modality (digits vs. words), and stimulus length (short vs. long), but not for gender differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In cross-cultural studies with social variables such as values or attitudes, it is often assumed that differences in scores can be compared at face value. However, response styles like acquiescence and extreme response style may affect answers, particularly on rating scales. In three sets of data from marketing studies, each with representative samples fromat least threeoutofsix countries(Greece,Italy, Spain,France,Germany, andthe United Kingdom), these two response styles were found to be more present in the Mediterranean than in Northwestern Europe. Evidence for response style effects was not only found in response distributions on rating scales, but also in discrepancies of these distributions with national consumer statistics and self-reported actual behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Patterns of scores on measures of the strength of current caregiver/care receiver relationship quality (adult attachment, closeness, and conflict) and measures of parent care (filial concern, caregiver burden, and amount of parent care given) were examined in India and Belgium (Flanders) with middle-aged women looking after their mother and/or mother-in-law. Patterns of scores in care receivers' ratings of current bonds with their daughters and daughters-in-law were also investigated. The results suggested that the relationship between daughter-in-law and mother-in-law is relatively less close in India than in Belgium. In contrast, pat-terns of variables related to actual behavior follow cultural prescriptions, with Indian daughters-in-law pro-viding more care for their mothers-in-law. It is concluded that cultural demands will determine actual behavior but have, at most, a limited influence when it comes to deep-rooted interpersonal relations, such as the attachment between mother and daughter. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The present study examined the question whether the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), which is one of the most widely used instruments to assess depression, can be used to measure differences in subjective well-being at national level. In order to establish the meaning of depression scores at country level, the functional equivalence (i.e., similarity of meaning) of depression scores at individual and country level was examined. Studies using the BDI in normal populations from 28 countries were collected. Depression showed the same correlates at individual and country level, which supports the functional equivalence of the BDI at the two levels. BDI scores and subjective well-being were then correlated with a number of country characteristics in order to test three theories of cross-national differences in subjective well-being. Livability theory stresses the importance of objective living conditions, comparison theory focuses on relative living conditions, and folklore theory states that cross-national differences can be explained by some national trait (e.g., beliefs and values concerning happiness). Cross-national differences in depression and subjective well-being could be explained by livability theory and folklore theory. BDI scores were negatively correlated with subjective well-being and other happiness-related variables. These findings suggest that depression had the same meaning at individual and country level and that depression is an adequate measure of (a lack of) subjective well-being at country level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-cultural developmental research faces the daunting task of studying the relationship of development and cultural context. The main argument of this article is that a variety of approaches is needed rather than one single perspective to make progress with this task. We illustrate how qualitative and quantitative research can be seen as complementary rather than mutually exclusive. We present four models, following Cole, that range from simple main effects to dynamic interaction models and argue that the debate about superiority of any one model is counterproductive; when applicable a more simple model is to be preferred. Thereafter a taxonomy of psychological domains is proposed (physiological, perceptual, cognitive, personality, and social aspects) that has a bearing on the choice of model. The final section describes some issues (and pseudoissues) of cross-cultural developmental science, such as the dichotomy between molar and molecular approaches, and the presumed need to maximize the understanding of cultural context in all research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In cross-cultural research, there is an increasing interest in the comparison of constructs at different levels of aggregation, such as the use of individualism—collectivism at the individual and country levels. A procedure is described for establishing structural equivalence (i.e., similarity of psychological meaning) at various levels of aggregation based on exploratory factor analysis. A construct shows structural equivalence across aggregation levels if its factor structure is invariant across levels. The procedure was applied to the Postmaterialism scale of the World Values Survey. The similarity of postmaterialism at the individual and country levels could not be unambiguously demonstrated; a likely reason is that the concept does not have an identical meaning in countries with low and high gross national products. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We investigated the cognitive structure of emotions in Indonesia and The Netherlands in a series of three studies. Sets of 120 emotion terms were selected based on local ratings of prototypicality for "emotion". With similarity sortings a three-dimensional (evaluation, arousal, dominance) and a four-cluster (positive emotion, sadness, fear, anger) structure was found in each group. Of 50 pairs of translation-equivalent terms, 42 pairs were also found to be cognitively equivalent. With these equivalent terms a good fit of a common cognitive emotion structure was demonstrated in both countries. In a fourth and final study, the location of two social emotions, "shame" and "guilt", in the common structure was found to be closer to "fear" and somewhat further away from "anger" in Indonesia than in the Netherlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Psychology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Provides information on the International Test Commission (ITC). History of psychological and educational test development and use; Goals and origin of ITC; Role of conferences in the development and promotion of ITC standards.

A selection of current and presumably future issues is addressed in four sections. The first section deals with the pervasive controversy between relativistic and universalistic orientations. In the second section, the authors discuss how the notion of culture is used in empirical studies, drawing attention to, among other things, the low emphasis on cross-cultural similarities that emerge from many data sets. The third section addresses three themes that may well become more important in the future, namely questions concerning the degree of coherence in cross-cultural data spanning larger ranges of behavior, the integration of findings from non-Western societies, and an increase in research on human development in cultural context. The fourth section emphasizes the responsibility of cross-cultural psychologists to apply their expertise, especially to problems of economic and social inequality, to contribute to human well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduces several issues on cross-cultural psychology. Symposium organized by the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology titled `Millennium Prelude: The Present State and Future of Cross-Cultural Psychology.'

Indigenisation movements are a most welcome development for two interrelated reasons. The first is to make psychology relevant to non-Euro-american societies. The second reason is to show up the ethnocentricity in contemporary Euro-american psychology, including cross-cultural psychology. The topics studied, the concepts and instruments used, and the inferences drawn in most behavioural research are centred on Western views and interests. However, it can be questioned whether the current literature on indigenisation serves the societies for which it is intended much better than "traditional" cross-cultural psychology. The indigenisation literature seems to capitalise too much on cross-cultural differences in behaviour and to negate important invariances in psychological functioning across cultures. Such a one-sided emphasis is argued to be factually incorrect and theoretically misleading. Les mouvements d'indigenisation constituent une initiative positive pour deux raisons etroitement liees. La premiere est de rendre la psychologie pertinente aux societes non euro-americaines; la seconde, de reveler le caractere ethnocentrique de la psychologie euro-americaine, y compris la psychologie interculturelle. Les questions etudiees, les methodes et les instruments employes, aussi bien que les inferences auxquelles ils menent dans la plupart des etudes du comportement sont en effet centres sur la mentalite et les interets des Occidentaux. Cependant, on peut se demander si la litterature actuelle sur l'indigenisation sert mieux les societes auxquelles elles est destinee que la psychologie interculturelle "traditionnelle". La litterature consacree a l'indigenisation semble exploiter dans une trop grande mesure les differences interculturelles, et nier, au contraire, des invariants importants du fonctionnement psychologique des differentes cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three models are presented that explain cross-cultural differences in the allocation of resources to various social categories. (1) Individualism-collectivism predicts, for all kinds of resources, a higher allocation in collectivistic than in individualistic societies to members of one's ingroup. (2) Kagitcibasi's model of family change makes a distinction between material and nonmaterial resources. Collectivistic value patterns should lead to higher allocation of nonmaterial resources than found in individualistic societies, but no such difference is expected for material investments. Both these models assume cross-cultural differences in value orientations at a high level of generality. (3) An alternative is proposed, predicting universal patterns of exchange with only context-specific crosscultural variations at a low level of generality. Hypotheses derived from the three models are tested with data from Greece and The Netherlands. It is concluded that the results are most compatible with the third model. Cet article presente trois modeles qui expliquent les differences interculturelles dans l'allocation des ressources a diverses categories sociales. (1) L'individualisme-collectivisme predit pour tous les types de ressources, une allocation superieure envers les membres du groupe d'appartenance dans les societes collectivistes que dans les societes individualistes. (2) Le modele du changement familial de Kagitcibasi etablit une distinction entre les ressources materielles et les ressources non materielles. Les patrons de valeurs collectivistes devraient entrainer une allocation superieure des ressources non materielles comparativement aux societes individualistes, mais il ne devrait y avoir aucune difference quant aux ressources materielles. Ces deux modeles postulent des differences interculturelles avec un haut niveau de generalisation dans les orientations des valeurs. (3) Cet article propose un modele alternatif qui predit des patrons universels d'echange et des variations interculturelles specifiques au contexte a un faible niveau de generalisation. Des hypotheses issues des trois modeles sont testees a l'aide de donnees recueillies en Grece et dans les Pays-Bas. Les resultats sont plus compatibles avec le troisieme modele. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is argued that the impressively high factor congruence coefficients observed in cross-cultural studies with the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire cannot be taken as sufficient evidence for the "similarity" or "essential identity" of these factors in the cultures concerned. Arguments presented by Eysenck (1986) to challenge this viewpoint are refuted. The conclusion by Bijnen, Van der Net, and Poortinga (1986) that cross-cultural comparisons of factor scores on the EPQ are likely to be affected by cultural bias is upheld. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Contrary to the tradition in cross-cultural psychology in which bias is identified with the stimulus by culture interaction in an analysis of variance design, it is argued (and illustrated) here that any main effect or interaction term in such a design can reflect bias. It is suggested that difficulties in the interpretation of observed cross-cultural differences in data can be avoided only if the researcher succeeds in introducing external variables in terms of which the variance in the factor culture can be reduced to zero. This implies, somewhat paradoxically, that in a satisfactory cross-cultural study there is no variance left to be explained in terms of culture. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

By means of pseudorandom procedures factor similarity indices are computed that come close in numerical values to those taken by H. J. Eysenck and associates as sufficient evidence for metric identity of EPQ scales across cultures. It is argued that considerable bias in the results by no means can be ruled out and that intercultural comparison of mean scores obtained on EPQ scales is unwarranted. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Different meanings of the concept universality are distinguished and ordered according to the degree to which they are open to empirical control. Universality and specificity are considered as relative rather than absolute concepts. A relationship between the analysis of universality and the analysis of comparability or psychometric equivalence of data is established. An integrated approach to the analysis of universality and equivalence within the context of Generalizability Theory is outlined and illustrated with an example. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Comments on an article on culturally informed psychology published in the 'International Journal of Psychology' in 1993. Nature of the relationship between cultural context and behavior; Similarities in behavior repertoires found across cultures.

The logic of comparison is taken as a starting point. It is argued that any cross-cultural comparison presupposes a comparison scale, i.e. a scale that is identical across the populations included in a study. Scale identity can be specified for various levels of measurement. In the second section a simple classification is presented for inferences about cross-cultural differences derived from psychological measurements. Two questions are asked for various categories of inferences, viz., whether they are logically feasible and whether they can be validated empirically. In the third section the statistical analysis of psychometric conditions for equivalence is discussed. The fourth section deals with the problem what alternatives for meaningful interpretation a researcher has if data turn out to be lacking in equivalence. In the fifth section a conceptual problem is raised, namely whether the basic assumption of this article is realistic that psychological concepts are identical across cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The logic of comparison is taken as a starting point. It is argued that any cross-cultural comparison presupposes a comparison scale, i.e. a scale that is identical across the populations included in a study. Scale identity can be Specified for various levels of measurement. In the second section a simple classification is presented for inferences about cross-cultural differences derived from psychological measurements. Two questions are asked for various categories of inferences, viz., whether they are logically feasible and whether they can be validated empirically. In the third section the statistical analysis of psychometric conditions for equivalence is discussed. The fourth section deals with the problem what alternatives for meaningful interpretation a researcher has if data turn out to be lacking in equivalence. In the fifth section a conceptual problem is raised. namely whether the basic assumption of this article is realistic that psychological concepts are identical across cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Responds to Cigdem Kagitcibasi's critique of an article on self-reported resource allocation of Greek and Dutch students. Criticisms of Kagitcibasi's arguments concerning the model of family change; Relevance of the data used to determine the student's self-reported resource allocation; Patterns of responses observed by the authors.

Introduces papers on the comparison of psychological data from different cultures, presented at the 24th International Conference of Psychology held in Sydney, New South Wales in 1988. Criticism of the notion of cross-cultural comparison; Validity of the methodology in the context of culture differences; Role of inequivalence in psychological measurement.