Challenges to Cross-Cultural Research

Week 9: Discussion 2 Challenges to Cross-Cultural Research
Researchers in cross cultural psychology face a veritable plethora of challenges and indeed even obstacles These can be practical issues, such as the need for various permits and visas and government approvals, as well as pragmatic considerations such as financial issues involved with international travel and language barriers and so on. Beyond the mere practical issues however, there are a whole array of challenges regarding conducting research in diverse cultures, including topics such as appropriate adaptation of content of surveys to fit and reflect different groups and nations, and interpretation of the meaning of responses on interviews, including verbal and non-verbal behavior that may differ around the globe.
For this week, you will examine the challenges researchers face when conducting cross-cultural research. You also will explore the advantages and disadvantages of quantitative and qualitative research in cross-cultural psychology. In addition, you begin your review of your Assessment for this module.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
• Analyze challenges to cross-cultural research (e.g., economic, language barriers, concept equivalency, trust, ethics)
• Analyze advantages and disadvantages of quantitative and qualitative research for cross-cultural psychology
• Identify cross-cultural research for critical analysis (MA)*
• Describe cross-cultural research and problems (MA)*
• Describe cross-cultural research design and methodology (MA)*
• Analyze the nature of culture in cross-cultural research (MA)*
• Evaluate the incorporation of influence of culture in cross-cultural research (MA)*
• Recommend improvements to cross-cultural research (MA)*
• Analyze recommendations for improvement to cross-cultural research to facilitate positive social change (MA)*

Discussion 2: Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Methods in Cross-Cultural Research
In cross-cultural psychology research, a broad range of techniques is utilized to determine the best way to access critical data. Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, laboratory experiments may offer great control and ability to examine issues of cause and effect, but may not always reflect actual real-world conditions, especially in cross cultural situations. As an additional example, long term field work and interviews conducted by living in a given cultural setting for a year or two, may offer the possibility of many nuanced observations, yet such qualitative work will not lead to statistical or experimental designs. Each method tends to have pros and cons, rather than one method being the “right” one for every situation. For this Discussion, you will explore the advantages and disadvantages of using different research methods in cross-cultural research.
To Prepare
• Review this week’s Learning Resources and any other resources from this course and consider the advantages and disadvantages for cross-cultural research.
By Day 4
Post and explain one advantage and one disadvantage of quantitative research for cross-cultural psychology. Then, describe one advantage and one disadvantage of qualitative research for cross-cultural psychology. Use examples from the studies provided to support your thinking.
Note: Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources and identify current relevant literature to support your work.
Read your colleagues’ postings.
By Day 6
Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ posts with an additional advantage and an additional disadvantage to quantitative or qualitative research.
Note: Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources. Use proper APA format and citations.
Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you have learned and/or any insights you have gained as a result of your colleagues’ comments.