The WEIRD Effect on Psychology Research

Oct 15, 2024

Psychology and WEIRD Populations: A Study on Human Behavior

Introduction

  • Psychology: Study of human behavior and mind
  • Challenges in learning universal truths due to diverse human populations
  • Importance of avoiding sweeping predictions from limited population samples

The WEIRD Population

  • WEIRD: Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic
  • Coined in 2010 to describe research subjects in behavioral sciences
  • Predominates in psychology, economics, and cognitive science research
  • Skewed Research: Overrepresentation of WEIRD subjects
    • In 2008, 95% of behavioral research subjects were from U.S., Europe, and English-speaking countries
    • These regions account for only 12% of the world’s population
    • 68% of subjects from the U.S.; majority are undergrad students

Limitations of WEIRD Populations

  • WEIRD samples not representative of global populations
  • Cultural Differences: Variability in self-esteem, ethics, and decision-making
  • Example: Westerners report higher self-esteem
    • May reflect cultural values like modesty

Specific Study Insights

  • Ultimatum Game: Examines economic decision-making
    • Undergrad students offer less money in decision-making compared to non-college American adults
    • Highlights differences in financial behaviors within the U.S.

Societal and Cultural Factors

  • Industrialization: Shift from agriculture to goods production affects psychology
  • Language and perception differences:
    • Western languages use egocentric terms (left/right)
    • Smaller societies use allocentric terms (above/behind) or cardinal directions
    • Indicative of cultural and environmental influence on psychology

Importance of Diverse Research

  • Understanding universal human traits requires studying diverse populations
    • Universal recognition of facial expressions
    • Perception of colors
  • Acknowledging WEIRD study limitations

Conclusion

  • Value of existing WEIRD research but recognition of its constraints
  • Need for broader scope in studying diverse human populations

Additional Learning

  • Explore cultural influences on perception
  • Optical illusions: Cultural variations in perception

SciShow Psych episode emphasizes the importance of expanding research beyond WEIRD populations to enhance the understanding of human psychology globally.

Full transcript