Module Code - Title:

PX6221 - CULTURAL DETERMINANTS OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND CROSS CULTURAL DIAGNOSIS (SWPS)

Year Last Offered:

2025/6

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

1

Lab

0

Tutorial

1

Other

0

Private

8

Credits

6

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

This module introduces students to the critical discussions of how and what we might understand as universal and culture-free versus culturally specific psychology. The cultural determinants of human behavior are discussed at the interaction between culture and psychology, whereby languages, values and belief systems are presented as key determinants. For research purposes, a cross-cultural framework demands an understanding of how cultural considerations should be included in the whole research process from design, to conducting experiments and analyzing and interpreting results. Lastly, examples are discussed from cross-cultural research in personality, values and emotions.

Syllabus:

An in-depth knowledge base and research skills are developed across 5 specific topics during this module: 1. Critical appraisal of universal and culture-free psychology 2: The interaction of culture and psychology 3. Ecology, language, worldviews (belief systems) and value-dimensions as cultural determinants of individual human psyche 4. Designing, conducting experiments and analyzing research data in the domain of culture and psychology 5. Assessing individual and cross-cultural differences in personality, values and emotions.

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: - demonstrate a systematic understanding and an overview of the state-of-the-art on the cross-cultural aspects of human behavior - identify the various perspectives and approaches within cross-cultural psychology that explain human behavior in various aspects - display self-reflection on their own culture and their values - demonstrate awareness about the role of culture when designing, planning and carrying out psychological activities. - have developed skills in observing, interpreting and evaluating the role of culture in human behavior - construct research tools in accordance with the chosen theoretical principles in the field of cultural psychology

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: - self-reflect and demonstrate self-awareness of the way culture has shaped their own development

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

na

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

Classes are divided into lectures, where student will learn the theory, and seminars in which they will apply the theory to design experiments and diagnostic tools. Evaluations include individual and group work.

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Prime Texts:

Matsumoto, D. & Juang, L. (2016) Culture and Psychology (6th edition , CENGAGE Learning: Boston, USA.

Gelfand, M.J. and Chiu, Ch.-Y., (Eds.) (2011) Advances in Culture and Psychology , Oxford University Press.

Other Relevant Texts:

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

MAPSGMTFA - PSYCHOLOGY OF GLOBAL MOBILITY, INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY IN SOCIETY

Semester(s) Module is Offered:

Autumn

Module Leader:

sarah.jay@ul.ie