Blog Ten
After rereading and comparing my course expectations with my actual outcome, I believe I’ve achieved what I set out to accomplish. For instance, I’ve gained better inter-personal and communications skills with people of different cultures. I’ve also learned not to judge a person based on his or her appearance or actions by accepting and understanding all cultures are different. As a result, many of my relationships with others have progressed. This course has also made be very appreciative of living in the United States after learning and realizing all the hardships other cultures and countries face.
Overall, I would not take anything back this semester. I would, however, go back if I could and not wait to the last minute doing my Assignment papers. Other than that, I’ve honestly enjoyed this class.
Blog Nine
I’ve learned numerous things during the course of this semester, but three concepts that stood out the most was the self determination theory, the independent vs, interdependent self construal theory, and chapter nine’s emotions. The social determination theory is a theory that states that people from all cultures share basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, relatedness, however, there are specific ways in which these needs are met and expressed according to context and culture. The independent vs. interdependent self construal theory, on the other hand, refers to the differences between the way different cultures perceive, comprehend, and interpret the world around them. For example, in assignment one, I identified with the acceptance of difference because it not only accepted people of different backgrounds and cultures, but it also gave others the opportunity to learn and interpret other cultures around them. Lastly, blog eight’s emotions refers to people’s ability to let their emotions effect their behavior or reactions.
In this course, I’ve also connected Social Psychology’s social identity with Cross-Cultural’s social identity. For instance, in Social psychology, social identity refers to our interactions between individuals in different groups while Cross-Cultural’s social identity is the perception that we are part of a larger social group in which we share with group members salient attributes. For example, values, meanings and goals can help define our place in the world.
Blog Eight
Over the years, I’ve met various people from different cultures and each person expressed themselves differently. For instance, Asians are more reserved when it comes to expressing themselves. Thus, making it hard to read one’s emotions or thoughts. Latinos, on the other hand, are very vibrant making sure he or she gets their point across. My interaction with other Americans, however, was different. Americans, unknowingly, express themselves through facial expressions. Therefore, you can physically see whether a person is sad, angry, or happy. Thus, I’ve learned each culture expresses them self differently depending on his or her background and religion.
Blog Seven
A Fairy tale is a children’s story about magical beings and lands. For example, The Three Little Pigs, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty are all examples of fairy tales. With that being said, I do not believe fairy tales reflect cultural norms. Cultural norms are agreed-upon expectations or rules in which a guides the behavior of its members. For example, Sleeping Beauty is a princess. Princesses are expected to act accordingly, yet, in Sleeping Beauty, the princess fights with swords, rides horses, and does chores. None of which are normal behaviors of a princess. I believe with changing times, stories begin to reflect moral values in a society and culture. For instance, today, women are no longer housewives and are more involved in the community. Times have changed and so should stories.
Blog Six
Self Determination Theory is a theory of motivation and personality that addresses three psychological needs: competence, autonomy, and psychological relatedness. All of which are characteristics I display academically. For instance, I display competence when it comes to my schoolwork. For example, after I learn a new topic or subject and I’m tested on it, I seek to control my outcome and experience mastery of that topic or subject. Relatedness, on the other hand, is example of me wanting to interact with or be connected with others rather being lonely in school. Lastly, I display autonomy by having full volition and choice what I want or do.
Blog Five
After evaluating myself, I believe I am both interdependent and independent. For instance, I am interdependent because of my son. My whole world revolves around him. Thus, I have to make sure he is well taken care. Therefore, if I am unable to be there for him due to my occupation or schoolwork, I depend on my significant other to be there for him to provide his every need. Thus, we both make our schedule so he is well taken care of. I also believe I am independent. For instance, I very stubborn, so I rarely listen to other people opinions or advice. As the saying goes, “It’s either my way or the highway.” I also very self- reliant when it comes to bills. I would rather spend my last dollar, than ask for help. I honestly hate borrowing money or depending on someone else for something I need. If I could, I would rather do everything myself.
Blog Three
After completing the NEO personality test, I believe my results described my personality accurately. For instance, I scored low neuroticism, meaning I generally feel secure or relaxed in stressful situations. This is consistent with my work at my job. During a rush, I’m normally relaxed, making sure everyone is helped accordingly. I also scored high in conscientiousness which implies I have very high standards, taking obligations very seriously, and I’m very well-organized, working hard to achieve my goals. I believe this an accurate representation of me. For instance, I recently had a baby, yet I’m still working full-time and enrolled as a full-time student to make sure me and my son are taken well-care of.
|
Openness |
Conscientiousness | Extraversion | Agreeableness | Neuroticism |
| I do not like trying new things | Work hard at achieving my goals | Enjoy being around others | Enjoy helping others | Stress
free |
| I enjoy having a routine | Well- organized | Talkative | Avoid conflict | Very relaxed |
| Very close-minded | Dependable | Very energetic | Kind | Well together |
Blog Two
Three values I believe are important in career pursuits are Growth, Leadership, and Determination. For instance, in order to be successful in your career you have to have the drive to persevere, moving forward despite difficulties. Having determination also motivates a person’s behavior so he or she can achieve his or her goal. Growth, on the other hand, allows you to progress through your job or organization, teaching you life-learned lessons in the process. I also believe good leadership is necessary in order to be a good employee or owner. A great leader can influence his or her peers into following his or her footsteps, whether it’s taking the initiative or doing something counterproductive.
I decided to continue onto higher education because I knew if I wanted to go far in life, I needed some sort of education to progress. My parents also played a role because I knew I did not want to follow in their footsteps, therefore I took the initiative and sought out my own path.
Blog One
Cross-cultural psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes under diverse cultural conditions. By studying an individual’s behavior, scientists can attempt to recognize cultural variance in behavior and language, allowing them to get a better understanding of individuals of different origins. This could shape our country in a major way by promoting assimilation between the United States and people of different countries.
Based on the course objectives, I hope to gain better understanding of people from different cultures in order to gain better inter-personal and communication skills to successfully interact with them. Thus, allowing our society to function better as a whole.
In order to ensure success in this course, I plan on outlining the text in my own set of notes and completing practice quizzes and tests. I also plan on using what I learn and applying it to things that happen everyday. Hopefully, this will ensure I have a successful academic semester.
