Contrast the characteristics of individualist and collectivist cultures with regard to:

• definitions of self;
• goals;
• values;
• explanations of behavior (attributions);
• group norms; and
• the cost/benefit ratio in maintaining relationships.

What will be an ideal response?

Answer: A good answer will include the following key points.
• Individualist cultures define the self as autonomous, independent of groups; collectivist cultures define the self as an interdependent part of groups.
• Individualist cultures give priority to individual, personal goals; collectivist cultures give priority to the needs and goals of the group.
• Individualist cultures value independence, leadership, achievement, and self-fulfillment; collectivist cultures value group harmony, duty, obligation, and security.
• Individualist cultures give more weight to an individual's attitudes and preferences than to group norms as explanations of behavior; collectivist cultures give more weight to group