Ainsworth's research is one example of an imposed etic in psychology. In assuming that the US-based model of classifying attachment was the norm, Ainsworth imposed her own cultural understanding upon the rest of the world. She studied behaviour within a single culture (America) and then assumed her ideal attachment type could be applied universally.

Imposed etic: An imposed etic approach looks at behaviour from outside of a given culture and attempts to describe those behaviours that are universal.

Emic: An emic approach functions from within or inside certain cultures and identifies behaviours that are specific to that culture.

	Created by Hannah Pear about 8 years ago

Subject: Psychology Exam Board: AQA Topic: Issues and Debates Sub-topic: Cultural Bias