Final answer:
The correct option is 3) Cultural universalism.
The approach to studying personality with the goal of testing the generalizability of Western ideas about personality in other cultures is known as Cultural universalism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cultural universalism is an approach in the study of personality that seeks to explore and test the universality of psychological constructs across different cultures. It involves investigating whether certain aspects of personality, traits, or behaviors can be considered consistent and applicable across diverse cultural contexts. This approach assumes that there may be fundamental features of human psychology that transcend cultural boundaries.
The goal of cultural universalism is to identify traits or aspects of personality that are common to all human beings, regardless of their cultural background. Researchers employing this approach conduct cross-cultural studies to examine whether established theories and models of personality developed in Western cultures hold true in non-Western or diverse cultural settings. By doing so, they aim to determine the cultural validity and generalizability of psychological theories.
Cultural universalism stands in contrast to cultural relativism, which emphasizes the cultural specificity of personality and suggests that psychological phenomena are shaped primarily by cultural influences. Instead, cultural universalism seeks to identify core elements of personality that may be intrinsic to human nature, providing insights into shared psychological characteristics that unite humanity.
This approach acknowledges that while cultures may express and shape personality in unique ways, there could be underlying traits or behaviors that remain consistent across diverse societies. Cultural universalism contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of human psychology, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and enhancing the applicability of psychological theories on a global scale.