Cross cultural human development is basically the similarities and differences culturally that exist in the developmental process and the outcomes that are expressed by behavior in groups or individuals.
2. Demonstrate a familiarity with the important themes presented in this chapter including the cross-cultural perspective, ecological systems approach, developmental niche, developmental orientation, and chronological-within-topics-approach.
Cross-cultural perspective: Increasingly more common and helps with the understanding of human development, and how things that might be more true for one culture may be different for another culture.
Ecological Systems Approach: Concentrates on viewing behavior within social settings and focuses on environment that are divided into interrelated systems. Shows the Development/Culture connection.
Developmental Niche: Integration of psychological and anthropological findings. Framework for understanding how culture guides development by focusing on the child in the socio-cultural context.
Developmental Orientation: Attempts to demonstrate how behaviors evolve and change as individuals develop across the lifespan, across cultures.
Chronological Approach: Demonstrates how the processes of behaviors change from infancy to childhood and adolescence to adulthood.
3. Comment on the three goals set forth for the field of cross-cultural psychology.
Goal One: It is actually really interesting that particular theories will be tested. This will help us get a better understanding of recent findings. Perhaps new discoveries and theories will be created.
Goal Two: Since the second goal focuses on exploring other cultures, over generalization will be impossible. Discovering variations that may not be part of one's culture will show differences in cultures and lead to new understandings.
Goal Three: Basically, by integrating various cultural findings, new psychological ideas will be applicable to a wider range of cultures. This idea can extend findings to various cultural groups rather than remaining in one area.
4. Why do the authors emphasize a practical application approach to the subject?
The authors focus on a practical application approach because that idea centers on everyday experiences that are encountered by people in different cultures. Practical application gives readers a basis of understanding that they can relate to and possibly apply to their own personal experiences. The focus on "real life" will help readers remember more of the concepts and content of the chapter.