Effects of Cognitive Appraisals of Communication Competence in Conflict Interactions Essay Example

is to analyze the variations in behavior among different societies worldwide (Shiraev ; Levy, 2014). Culture encompasses mindset, behavior, traditions, and values that are passed down from generation to generation. Although cultures globally share similarities, they also possess unique characteristics. For instance, while happiness is a universally experienced emotion, its expression differs across diverse cultures. Psychologists studying multiple cultures commonly employ two approaches: the etic approach concentrates on cultural similarities and the emic approach scrutinizes cultural differences. Cross-cultural psychologists also investigate ethnocentrism.

Ethnocentrism refers to the inclination to assess other cultures based on one's own cultural norms. In essence, adopting an ethnocentric perspective entails using one's understanding of their own culture as a standard for judgment. This can result in biases and a tendency to perceive cultural disparities as abnormal or unfavorable. Additionally, it can limit acknowledgment of how individuals' cultural backgrounds shape their behaviors. The impact of ethnocentrism on our actions and thoughts, including interactions with individuals from diverse cultures, is frequently examined by cross-cultural psychologists. Furthermore, psychologists express concern regarding how ethnocentrism can influence the research process.

The Connection Between Cultural Psychology and Cross-cultural Psychology

Cultural psychology focuses on how societal influences shape thoughts and behaviors, emphasizing the connection between society and the mind. Its aim is to improve psychological theories by including a wider range of societies that can effectively explain and predict human behavior in diverse cultures, not just those in the Western world. However, research in psychology often favors Western, educated, and industrialized populations, leading to misapplications of findings to different cultures. Therefore, it has become increasingly important to acknowledge the variations in cultural values, cognitive processes, and motivational strategies among various populations.

Clinicians

often fail to acknowledge the diversity that exists in human societies as they focus exclusively on a small segment of the population. Additionally, there is a notable distinction between cross-cultural psychology and cultural psychology. Cross-cultural psychology compares two or more societies in order to identify similarities and differences in mental functioning, while cultural psychology aims to comprehend how the human mind and society mutually influence and define each other within socio-cultural contexts.

Research Methodology in Cross-cultural Psychology

Cross-cultural research has become an essential aspect of mainstream psychology and has significantly advanced our understanding of human behavior. While the basic principles of social and psychological approaches, as well as data analysis, are applicable to cross-cultural research, there are specific challenges unique to this field. These challenges involve addressing language disparities and measuring cultural response patterns using scales. Cross-Cultural Research in Psychology offers state-of-the-art knowledge on methodological issues that must be considered when conducting valid and reliable cross-cultural studies.

It also provides practical advice and examples of solutions for these issues and is a must-read for those studying culture. It provides the latest knowledge on how to conduct valid and reliable cross-cultural research (Matsumoto ; van de Vijver, 2010).

Understanding Ethnicity

This case can ultimately aid in comprehending the broad concept of race, ethnicity, and worldview. It allows individuals to understand the cultural differences between the Western world and China.

The communication styles of Chinese and Americans differ significantly. Chinese individuals may view Americans as being very direct in their speech, which can cause confusion or hurt the feelings of sensitive Chinese individuals. Conversely, Americans are encouraged to openly express their thoughts, leading to potential confrontation or tactful debate in order to convince

others of their perspective. In contrast, some Chinese individuals may nod and agree with an opinion even if they don't genuinely agree with it.

Enculturation refers to the process of understanding and adopting appropriate values and behaviors in a culture. In Chinese culture, this includes valuing and respecting the opinions of others, which is why they prefer indirect communication methods. They believe that being too prompt in their communication may be considered embarrassing or rude. As a result, they utilize subtle means to convey their thoughts and feelings.

As an aspect of this process, the influences that restrict, guide, or shape the individual (whether intentionally or not) do not include parents, other adults, and peers. If successful, enculturation results in proficiency in the language, values, and traditions of the culture (Grusec ; Hastings, 2014). Enculturation is related to socialization. In some academic fields, socialization refers to the deliberate conditioning of the individual. In others, the term may encompass both intentional and informal enculturation. In this situation, individuals can utilize Enculturation to comprehend the deviation from norms as depicted in the case.

One example can be demonstrated through a foreign visitor, specifically a western resident visiting a Chinese individual. The visitor may violate the norm of physicality by not observing the actions of the insider, leading to an inability to comply with captivating standards (Guimond et al, 2013).

References

1. Brew, F. P., Tan, J., Booth, H., & Malik, I. (2011). The effects of cognitive appraisals of communication competence in conflict interactions: A study involving Western and Chinese cultures. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 42(5), 856-874.
2. Grusec, J. E., & Hastings, P. D. (Eds.).

The source titled "Handbook of socialization: Theory and research" was published

by Guilford Publications in 2014. It was authored by Guimond, S., Crisp, R. J., De Oliveira, P., Kamiejski, R., Kteily, N., Kuepper, B., and Sidanius, J.

(2013). Diversity policy, social dominance, and intergroup relations: Predicting prejudice in changing social and political contexts. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 104(6), 941.

A. (2014). Cross-cultural psychology. Pearson Education Limited.