Final Answer:
In Shelley MacDonald's cross-cultural research, the group of people who recalled the earliest personal memories were individuals from a Western cultural background.
Step-by-step explanation:
MacDonald's cross-cultural research delves into the fascinating realm of memory recall across different cultural groups. The study involved examining individuals from various cultural backgrounds to identify patterns in the retrieval of early personal memories. Through meticulous analysis, it was found that participants from Western cultures consistently demonstrated the ability to recall their earliest personal memories more vividly compared to those from other cultural backgrounds.
One key aspect influencing this phenomenon is likely to be the cultural emphasis on individualism in Western societies. Western cultures often place a strong emphasis on personal identity, autonomy, and self-expression. This cultural emphasis may contribute to a heightened awareness and significance attached to individual life events, thus enhancing the recall of early personal memories.
Moreover, MacDonald's research methodology involved a comprehensive examination of memory recall patterns, considering factors such as age, cultural context, and societal influences. Statistical analyses, including mean recall age and memory vividness scores, were employed to provide a quantitative understanding of the observed trends. The data revealed a statistically significant difference in the recall of earliest personal memories among cultural groups, with Western participants consistently recalling memories from an earlier age compared to their counterparts from non-Western backgrounds.
In conclusion, Shelley MacDonald's cross-cultural research points to a cultural influence on the retrieval of early personal memories, with Western individuals exhibiting a distinctive pattern of earlier and more vivid recall, likely shaped by the cultural values of individualism and self-awareness.