Question

M.J. misses two free throws that just cost his team the basketball game. His teammates blame M.J. for the loss. In the previous game, M.J. performed admirably and was the hero for his team as he hit the game winning shot. These types of reactions are most likely to occur in: a) Individualistic cultures

b) Collectivistic cultures
c) Low-context cultures
d) High-context cultures

Answer 1

The reactions described in M.J.'s scenario are most likely to occur in collectivistic cultures, where group dynamics are emphasized and success or failure in sports is attributed to teamwork and collective effort rather than individual performance.

Step-by-step explanation:

M.J.'s scenario, where his teammates blame him for the loss in one game but praise him as a hero in the previous one, is most likely to occur in collectivistic cultures. In these cultures, there is a strong emphasis on groups, relationships, and community rather than on individual achievements or failures. Activities and events often involve group participation, like preparing a meal (Figure 12.4(a)), hanging out (Figure 12.4(b)), and playing a game (Figure 12.4(c)). When explaining why they won an important sporting event, people from individualistic cultures might focus on personal effort and abilities, while people from collectivistic cultures are more likely to attribute their success to teamwork and group effort.

Furthermore, studies have shown that in a collectivistic society, the motivation often stems from doing things for the family or group and therefore, a broader perspective that includes situational and cultural influences on behavior is taken into account, leading to a more nuanced explanation of causes of behaviors.