Course

Unit 1

Introduction to Cross-Cultural Psychology

Definition, scope, and goals of cross-cultural psychology. History and evolution of the field. Culture and its components: values, beliefs, practices. Etic vs. emic approaches. Interactive digital maps and infographics to explore cultural diversity across regions and illustrate cultural dimensions (e.g., individualism vs collectivism).

Unit 2

Research Methods in Cross-Cultural Psychology

Comparative research designs and sampling techniques. Measurement equivalence and bias. Challenges in conducting cross-cultural research. Ethical considerations. Use online survey tools (e.g., Google Forms, Qualtrics, or SurveyMonkey) to design beginner-friendly cross-cultural research projects. Digital tutorials on ensuring cultural fairness in surveys will be included.

Unit 3

Cultural Influences on Psychological Processes

Perception, cognition, and intelligence across cultures. Emotions and motivation: universal vs. culture-specific expressions. Language, communication, and cultural thought patterns. Development and socialisation. Interactive digital simulations demonstrating culture-specific expressions of emotion, communication styles, and thought patterns. Online quizzes to compare cultural cognitive differences.

Unit 4

Culture and Social Behaviour

Self and identity: independent vs. interdependent self-concepts. Interpersonal relationships and group dynamics. Prejudice, discrimination, and acculturation. Cultural influences on gender roles and family systems. Virtual role-play modules to simulate intercultural interactions and group dynamics for experiential learning. Students can analyse outcomes and reflect on cultural perspectives.

Unit 5

Applied Cross-Cultural Psychology

Cross-cultural aspects of mental health and psychotherapy. Culture and personality disorders. Multicultural competence in counselling and clinical settings. Cultural diversity in education, the workplace, and global communication. Beginner-friendly data visualisation tools (e.g., Tableau Public, Google Data Studio) to analyse cross-cultural research data. Digital case studies allow students to apply concepts in mental health and workplace scenarios.

Text Books / References

Textbooks

1. Berry, J. W., Poortinga, Y. H., Breugelmans, S. M., Chasiotis, A., & Sam, D. L. (2011). Cross-cultural psychology: Research and applications (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
2. Matsumoto, D., & Juang, L. (2016). Culture and psychology (6th ed.). Cengage Learning.
3. Segall, M. H., Dasen, P. R., Berry, J. W., & Poortinga, Y. H. (1999). Human behavior in global perspective: An introduction to cross-cultural psychology (2nd ed.). Allyn & Bacon.
4. Heine, S. J. (2020). Cultural psychology (4th ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.
5. Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2015). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice (7th ed.). Wiley.

Suggested Readings

1. Berry, J. W., Poortinga, Y. H., Segall, M. H., & Dasen, P. R. (2011). Cross-cultural psychology: Research and applications (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
2. Matsumoto, D., & Juang, L. (2017). Culture and psychology (6th ed.). Cengage Learning.
3. Heine, S. J. (2016). Cultural psychology (3rd ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.

Cross-Cultural Psychology explores the interplay between culture and human behaviour. It examines how cultural contexts influence psychological processes such as perception, cognition, emotion, motivation, development, personality, social behaviour, and mental health. By comparing and contrasting these processes across cultures, the course equips students with a broad understanding of cultural diversity and its significance in psychological theory, research, and practice. Students will critically assess how cultural factors shape behaviour and develop intercultural competence essential for effective practice in multicultural and global settings.

Course Objectives

• To understand the role of culture in shaping psychological processes and human behaviour.
• To explore the methodologies and approaches used in cross-cultural psychological research.
• To examine psychological theories through the lens of cultural relativity and universality.
• To develop cultural sensitivity and awareness in assessing psychological functioning.
• To apply cross-cultural psychological concepts to real-world issues, including mental health, communication, and social behaviour.
• To utilise beginner-friendly technology to conduct cross-cultural research, analyse data, and simulate cultural scenarios.

Course Outcomes

• CO1: Identify key concepts and theories in cross-cultural psychology.
• CO2: Evaluate cultural similarities and differences in psychological functioning.
• CO3: Analyse how cultural contexts influence perception, cognition, emotion, and behaviour.
• CO4: Apply cross-cultural principles to psychological assessment and intervention.
• CO5: Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in academic, research, and applied psychology settings.

CO-PO Mapping