Psychological researchers are discovering that people from different ethnocultural groups do indeed think, perceive, learn, and respond differently than conventional psychological theory would predict. Results from ethnic studies are now changing how psychological services are delivered in mental health settings, how psychological evaluations and measurements are conducted, and, in general, the way health prevention, diagnoses, and treatment are conceptualized and administered. Given the accelerated rate at which we are able to interact with people throughout the world, it seems wise for all disciplines to embrace the contributions that different cultures and ethnicities provide. All disciplines must find ways to infuse their methods of inquiry with cultural considerations. Besides being transmitted 'vertically' from generation to generation, culture may also be transmitted 'horizontally' between individuals and collectives.
Culture is an abstract idea and thus a hypothetical construct.
It is not behavior, but rather provides complex settings in which behavior occurs, and, therefore, at best may be viewed as an overarching, moderating variable. All cultures contain identifiable values, attitudes, beliefs, languages, and corresponding behaviors that are often considerably unique and distinctive. Cultural life and thought emerge as adaptations to geographical and climatic conditions and to ecological conditions as well. Joseph E. Trimble, a fellow at the Murray Research Center this year, is a professor of psychology at Western Washington University.