The WEIRD are even weirder than you think: diversifying contexts is as important as diversifying samples

Behav Brain Sci. 2010 Jun;33(2-3):87-8. doi: 10.1017/S0140525X10000063. Epub 2010 Jun 15.

Abstract

We argue that Henrich et al. do not go far enough in their critique: Sample diversification, while important, will not lead to the detection of generalizable principles. For that it will be necessary to broaden the range of contexts in which data are gathered. We demonstrate the power of contexts to alter results even in the presence of sample diversification.

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Cultural Comparison*
  • Humans
  • Motivation
  • Social Behavior
  • Social Environment*