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Individual and culture‐level components of survey response styles: A multi‐level analysis using cultural models of selfhood
Author(s) -
Smith Peter B.,
Vignoles Vivian L.,
Becker Maja,
Owe Ellinor,
Easterbrook Matthew J.,
Brown Rupert,
Bourguig David,
Garðarsdóttir Ragna B.,
Kreuzbauer Robert,
Cendales Ayala Boris,
Yuki Masaki,
Zhang Jianxin,
Lv Shaobo,
Chobthamkit Phatthanakit,
Jaafar Jas Laile,
Fischer Ronald,
Milfont Taciano L.,
Gavreliuc Alin,
Baguma Peter,
Bond Michael Harris,
Martin Mariana,
Gausel Nicolay,
Schwartz Seth J.,
Des Rosiers Sabrina E.,
Tatarko Alexander,
González Roberto,
Didier Nicolas,
Carrasco Diego,
Lay Siugmin,
Nizharadze George,
Torres Ana,
Camino Leoncio,
Abuhamdeh Sami,
Macapagal Ma. Elizabeth J.,
Koller Silvia H.,
Herman Ginette,
Courtois Marie,
Fritsche Immo,
Espinosa Agustín,
Villamar Juan A.,
Regalia Camillo,
Manzi Claudia,
Brambilla Maria,
Zinkeng Martina,
Jalal Baland,
Kusdil Ersin,
Amponsah Benjamin,
Çağlar Selinay,
Mekonnen Kassahun Habtamu,
Möller Bettina,
Zhang Xiao,
Schweiger Gallo Inge,
Prieto Gil Paula,
Lorente Clemares Raquel,
Campara Gabriella,
Aldhafri Said,
Fülöp Márta,
Pyszczynski Tom,
Kesebir Pelin,
Harb Charles
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
international journal of psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.75
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1464-066X
pISSN - 0020-7594
DOI - 10.1002/ijop.12293
Subject(s) - acquiescence , psychology , social psychology , consistency (knowledge bases) , harmony (color) , style (visual arts) , art , geometry , mathematics , archaeology , politics , political science , law , visual arts , history
Variations in acquiescence and extremity pose substantial threats to the validity of cross‐cultural research that relies on survey methods. Individual and cultural correlates of response styles when using 2 contrasting types of response mode were investigated, drawing on data from 55 cultural groups across 33 nations. Using 7 dimensions of self‐other relatedness that have often been confounded within the broader distinction between independence and interdependence, our analysis yields more specific understandings of both individual‐ and culture‐level variations in response style. When using a Likert‐scale response format, acquiescence is strongest among individuals seeing themselves as similar to others, and where cultural models of selfhood favour harmony, similarity with others and receptiveness to influence. However, when using Schwartz's (2007) portrait‐comparison response procedure, acquiescence is strongest among individuals seeing themselves as self‐reliant but also connected to others, and where cultural models of selfhood favour self‐reliance and self‐consistency. Extreme responding varies less between the two types of response modes, and is most prevalent among individuals seeing themselves as self‐reliant, and in cultures favouring self‐reliance. As both types of response mode elicit distinctive styles of response, it remains important to estimate and control for style effects to ensure valid comparisons.