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Perspectives on culture and concepts
Bethany l ojalehto1, Douglas L Medin
1Psychology Department, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208; email: bethanyojalehto2015@u.northwestern.edu , medin@northwestern.edu.
Annual Review of Psychology
|September 25, 2014
Summary
Research on concepts explores universal versus variable human cognition through cultural comparisons. New studies examine how conceptual and cultural systems interact, revealing culture
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Cultural Psychology
- Anthropology
Background:
- Traditional research on concepts relies on cross-cultural comparisons to distinguish universal from culturally variable cognitive behaviors.
- Emerging research investigates the dynamic interplay between conceptual systems and cultural systems, exploring mutual modification and support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the interaction between conceptual systems and cultural systems.
- To examine how cultural studies challenge traditional domain-specific frameworks (e.g., folkphysics, folkpsychology, folkbiology).
- To propose alternative organizing principles for conceptual systems (e.g., folksociology, folkecology).
Main Methods:
- Cross-cultural comparisons of conceptual behavior.
- Analysis of cultural studies within domain-specific frameworks.
- Investigation of culturally infused systems (language, discourse, beliefs, epistemologies) influencing conceptual construals.
Main Results:
- Conceptual systems and cultural systems mutually influence and shape each other.
- Cultural studies are questioning established conceptual domains and proposing new organizational principles.
- Individuals adopt conceptual perspectives influenced by cultural factors like language, knowledge, and beliefs.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive universality and variability are complex, influenced by cultural context.
- A systems-level approach integrating conceptual organization and cultural epistemologies is recommended.
- Understanding these interactions has implications for diversity within cognitive science.
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