cultural bias

the tendency to interpret and judge phenomena in terms of the distinctive values, beliefs, and other characteristics of the society or community to which one belongs. This sometimes leads people to form opinions and make decisions about others in advance of any actual experience with them (see prejudice). Cultural bias has become a significant concern in many areas, including psychometrics, ergonomics, and clinical psychology. See also culture-fair test; culture-free test; ethnocentrism.

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Psychology term of the day

April 25th 2024

organismic model

the theory that development is directed by constraints inherent in the relationship among elements within the organism as they act upon themselves and each other. Not only are biological processes (e.g., maturation) seen as critical in directing development, but so also are the behaviors of the organism. See developmental systems approach.