Final answer:
Individualistic cultures like the United States, England, and Australia emphasize an independent view of the self, focusing on personal freedom, competition, and achievement. Collectivist cultures in Asia, Africa, and South America promote an interdependent view of the self by valuing social harmony and group needs. Different approaches to studying personality in cultural contexts have been developed to consider these cultural differences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cultures that promote an independent view of the self are typically individualist cultures, which prioritize values such as independence, competition, and personal achievement. Examples of countries with individualistic cultures are the United States, England, and Australia. On the other hand, cultures that promote an interdependent view of the self are often collectivist cultures. Collectivist cultures value social harmony, respectfulness, and group needs above individual needs, with examples including countries in Asia, Africa, and South America.
Anthropological perspectives highlight the cultural and social constructs of the self, such as the African notion of ubuntu where the self is seen in relation to a community. The individualist mindset of Western countries, particularly the United States, can be traced back to historical factors, such as the pioneering spirit of the expansion into the West. Motivations in individualistic societies may center more around personal freedom, while collectivist societies place a stronger emphasis on the state's role in ensuring nobody is in need.
Studying personality within a cultural context can be approached through the cultural-comparative method, the indigenous approach, or a combined approach. Researchers have used personality tests like the MMPI and the Big Five personality traits to explore cultural differences in personality assessments, adapting them to consider culture-specific responses and the appropriate cultural context.