THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING CROSS-

CULTURAL RESEARCH METHODS

Methods associated with each phase of cross-cultural research are not mutually exclusive.

Cross-cultural research in the future should incorporate ecological-level data, cultural theories, and linkage variables, at different levels of analysis, to try to explain differences and similarities, in mental processes and behaviors.

CONCLUSION

Need to examine methods used in cross-cultural studies to determine whether results can be trusted.

Despite the difficulties of cross-cultural methods, cross-cultural research offers exciting and interesting opportunities not available with traditional research approaches.

Research CritiquesResearch Critiques

Brief Outline

1. Start with an APA Style complete reference of the published study, e.g., Bush, G. W. and Gore, A. (2007). Iraq’s oil reserves, military intervention, and global warming: A cross-cultural comparison. Journal of Absurd Studies, 24(3), 457-468.

2. Write a brief summary of the research conducted. What was the focus of the research? What were the predictions/ hypotheses? How were the data collected (methods and procedures used)? What was found? How were these findings explained?

3. Using the information on cross-cultural research principles presented in class and contained in the assigned readings, provide a summary analysis of methodological problems addressed or unaddressed by the investigators. In other words, were the reported findings based of valid methods and measures from a cross-cultural research perspective.

4. Provide your opinion of the research. What’s your personal take? Do you agree with how the study was done and/or what was found? Did the study increase your understanding of the topic? How would you have done the same study better?