Final answer:
African American Psychology diverges from Western Psychology by focusing on racial and cultural experiences, using culturally-relevant assessments, and commemorating the contributions of African American psychologists. It seeks to overcome the limitations of traditional Western approaches by incorporating the distinct historical and social context of African American individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
African American Psychology is distinct from Western Psychology in that it incorporates racial and cultural experiences within psychological practices, emphasizing the historical context and collective identity unique to African American life. The development of tools like the Contemporized-Themes Concerning Blacks Test (C-TCB) is an example of how psychological assessment has been adapted to better serve African American communities, acknowledging the potential biases of conventional tests like the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT). The field of African American Psychology seeks to address the cultural specificity and relevance that traditional Western Psychology often fails to consider when applied to ethnically diverse populations.
The American Psychological Association promotes the growth of culturally-relevant research though specialized organizations. The works of early African American psychologists like Francis Cecil Sumner played a foundational role in challenging biased intelligence testing and developing culturally responsive educational methods. Similarly, African philosophy challenges Western philosophical traditions, offering unique perspectives like the concept of ubuntu, which emphasizes collective humanity over individualism.