Ethnopsychologies: Cultural variations in theories of mind

Journal/Book: Psychol Bull. 1998; 123: 750 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Amer Psychological Assoc. 3-32.

Abstract: A set of basic beliefs about others' minds and behavior, referred to as folk psychology or theory of mind, is often discussed as if it were the same the world over. Yet, certainly variation in folk psychology exists. This article compares several aspects of European American theory of mind with other cultural models, as suggested by experiments and ethnographies, with the purpose of illuminating the degree to which there is variation. After summarizing 4 types of variation, the author explores possible sources of variability, implications for the mindreading process, potential universals, and directions for future research.

Note: Article Lillard A, Univ Virginia, Dept Psychol, 102 Gilmar Hall, Charlottesville,VA 22903 USA

Keyword(s): COGNITIVE REVOLUTION; VISUAL-PERCEPTION; IMPLICIT THEORIES; MENTAL ACTIVITIES; YOUNG-CHILDREN; KNOWLEDGE; BELIEFS; PSYCHOLOGY; EMOTION; HYPOTHESIS

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