Cross-cultural generalization: Using meta-analysis to test hypotheses about cultural variability

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Authors

  • Deniz S. Ones
  • Stephan Dilchert
  • Jürgen Deller
  • Anne-Grit Albrecht
  • Emily E. Duehr
  • Frieder M. Paulus
When differences are observed across samples in cross-cultural research, true cultural differences (and sample representativeness) are not the only explanations that ought to be considered. A main thesis of this chapter is that when differences are observed, findings can be due to chance (sampling error) as well as other statistical artifacts (see Hunter & Schmidt, 2004). Testing whether cross-cultural variability in findings is due to real effects of culture or such statistical artifacts is an important step that is essential in cross-cultural research. Addressing the biasing influences of statistical artifacts may help reveal cross-cultural universals. The magnitude of cultural variation in results can be empirically examined using approaches of psychometric meta-analysis. A major contribution that meta-analytic techniques can make to cross-cultural research is to enable researchers to test the cross-cultural generalizability of relationships. In the remainder of this chapter, we review, illustrate, and discuss three unique applications of meta-analysis to examine cross-cultural effects. First, we review and discuss pooling findings across intracultural studies to examine questions of cross-cultural generalizability. Second, we illustrate the value of applying meta-analysis to carefully conducted intercultural studies to examine the same question. Third, we demonstrate the use of meta-analysis to examine transcultural variability using primary data collected from different cultural settings. For each type of application, we offer a brief background, review and present illustrative findings, and discuss contributions and potential limitations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationConducting Multinational Research : Applying Organizational Psychology in the Workplace
EditorsAnn Marie Ryan, Frederick T. L. Leong, Frederick L. Oswald
Number of pages32
Place of PublicationWashington, D. C.
PublisherAmerican Psychological Association Inc.
Publication date2012
Edition1
Pages91-122
ISBN (print)978-1-4338-1141-8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

DOI