Explain cross-cultural differences in prosocial behaviour.

Refer to the paper 2 markbands when awarding marks.

The command term “explain” requires candidates to give a detailed account, including reasons, for cross-cultural differences in prosocial behaviour.

Cross-cultural differences may include, but are not limited to:

• cultural and societal norms
• different socialization processes in an individual’s upbringing
• cultural dimensions (for example, individualism versus collectivism).

Relevant studies may include, but are not limited to:

• Whiting’s (1979) research on the role of extended family
• Bond and Leung’s (1988) research on in-group bias
• Levine et al.’s (2001) studies on cultural differences in helping behaviour
• Whiting and Whiting’s (1975) research into altruism levels in children from industrialized and non-industrialized countries
• Miller et al.’s (1990) study examining cultural norms and moral values on social responsibility.

Examples of how candidates may show evidence of critical thinking may include, but are not limited to:

• analysis of the methodology and/or ethical considerations
• application of empirical support in relation to a given problem or issue
• alternative explanations of prosocial behaviour
• addressing the issue of universality (for example, kin selection theory) versus cultural differences.

Candidates may use a small number of cross-cultural differences in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may use a larger number of cross-cultural differences in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.