Describe the “etic” concept, making reference to one example.

Refer to the paper 1 section A markbands when awarding marks.

“Etic” refers to an approach to studying the role of culture on behaviour. This approach describes or explains behaviours across cultures to find out what could be universal in human behaviour. Studies may be focused on psychological issues related to universal human behaviour or finding similarities/differences across cultures.

A description of the “etic” concept may include, but is not limited to:

• a deductive approach based on established theory
• often uses an ethnocentric approach
• use of standardized materials that have established reliability
• the goal is generalization to the human population
• use of "experts" trained in psychology.

Examples of “etic” research may include, but are not limited to:

• Cole and Scribner (1974) – research in cultural differences in memory strategies
• Kashima and Triandis (1986) on cultural differences in attributional styles
• Berry (1967) – variation of Asch’s conformity study
• Kleinman (1982) on cultural differences in expression of depression.

Candidates may describe the etic approach making reference to an example that is not a research study (eg studying mental health). As long as they describe the example clearly and with detail they may receive full marks.

If a candidate describes the “etic” concept without making reference to one example from the sociocultural level of analysis, the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [4].

If a candidate only describes an appropriate example without describing the etic concept, the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [3].