There are as many human development theories as there are peoplein existence. Cross-cultural psychology focuses on thepsychological aspects of other cultures. (Matsumoto, 2001) Sometheories explain the cultural impact on human development, whileothers are broader and focus on the individual. Some humandevelopment theories view culture as an antecedent or consequenceof individual behavior, as well as enabling or restricting thisbehavior. For example, the theories of Bronfenbrenner and Vygotskyfocus on the cultural influences of behavior, learning, and socialdevelopment. Other human development theories, such as Piaget andKohlberg’s, focus primarily on the internal cognitive processes.Consider the similarities and differences of these theoreticalperspectives (Gardiner and Kosmitzki, 2010).

For this Discussion, review the definition of culture youdeveloped in your first Discussion as well as those definedthroughout this week’s Learning Resources. Consider how culturaland human development theories explain the influence of culture onan individual’s behavior and reflect on how these theories may beused in cross-cultural psychology. Select two contrastingtheoretical approaches to cross-cultural psychology and considerthe similarities and differences between these concepts. Supportyour responses using the Learning Resources and the currentliterature.

Discussion:

an identification of the two theoretical approaches tocross-cultural psychology you selected. Then, compare twosimilarities and two differences of those approaches. Finally,provide an example of how one of these theoretical approaches mightexplain the influences of culture on human behavior in one of thecultures you discussed in this week’s first Discussion. Supportyour responses using the Learning Resources and the currentliterature.