Thread: Chinese More Understanding Than Americans

Yes, they're communists, but they sure do understand the needs of others...

Study: Americans Don't Understand Others Corey Binns
Special to LiveScience
LiveScience.com
35 minutes ago



Rugged American individualism could hinder our ability to understand other peoples' point of view, a new study suggests.


And in contrast, the researchers found that Chinese are more skilled at understanding other people's perspectives, possibly because they live in a more "collectivist" society.


"This cultural difference affects the way we communicate," said study co-author and cognitive psychologist Boaz Keysar of the University of Chicago.


Simple study


The study, though oversimplified compared to real life, was instructive. Keysar and his colleagues arranged two blocks on a table so participants could see both. However, a piece of cardboard obstructed the view of one block so a "director," sitting across from the participant, could only see one block.


When the director asked 20 American participants (none of Asian descent) to move a block, most were confused as to which block to move and did not take into account the director's perspective. Even though they could have deduced that, from the director's seat, only one block was on the table.


Most of the 20 Chinese participants, however, were not confused by the hidden block and knew exactly which block the director was referring to. While following directions was relatively simple for the Chinese, it took Americans twice as long to move a block.


"That strong, egocentric communication of Westerners was nonexistent when we looked at Chinese," Keysar said. "The Chinese were very much able to put themselves in the shoes of another when they were communicating."


The results are detailed in the July issue of the journal Psychological Science.


Collectivist societies, such as the Chinese, place more value on the needs of the group and less on the autonomy of the individual. In these societies, understanding other peoples' experiences is a more critical social skill than it is among typically more individualist Americans.


Gross oversimplification


"Of course, these are very gross oversimplifications," said Keysar. "Even in America, you can find collectivist societies. For example, working class people tend to be much more collective."


Culture appears to direct our eyes to read others' emotions, too.


Psychologists at Hokkaido University in Japan have found that Japanese gaze at the shape of a person's eyes, while Americans focus on the mouth. When people from the two cultures interact, these crisscrossed sightlines can lead to miscommunication.


"We all know people from different cultures are different. This is not new. But what research is now showing is how they're different and what are the implications," Keysar told LiveScience. "If we are aware of how we think differently, this can go a long way toward not allowing these differences to get in the way of reaching mutual understanding."

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http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/200 ... tandothers

i'm so sick of this crap. Individualism is the counter of communistic ideals so of course American's are "bad".

Here's the thing if the Chinese were really concerned about others would they be sending out tainted food products, would they be gunning down their own people?

And in contrast, the researchers found that Chinese are more skilled at understanding other people's perspectives, possibly because they live in a more "collectivist" society.

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I certainly believe that Americans are very nearsighted in their ability to understand others, after all I am one! The "me" generation has now come of age and it shows. Just look at the divorce rate! If that is not proof enough that selfishness is the accepted way of life in America what does. I don't think that the individual Chinese citizens tested are to blame for the tainted products sent to America. I do believe those in charge of producing and shipping those products are the ones that have adopted the American's selfish attitudes. Look at the recent news that shows how people that are in positions of power have been corupted. Of course they paid the ultimate price for their greed.

I wonder which "blocks" the Chinese were moving during the Tienamen Square "experiment?"

"the pen is mightier than the sword."

And in contrast, the researchers found that Chinese are more skilled at understanding other people's perspectives, possibly because they live in a more "collectivist" society.

Rugged American individualism could hinder our ability to understand other peoples' point of view, a new study suggests.

When the director asked 20 American participants (none of Asian descent) to move a block, most were confused as to which block to move and did not take into account the director's perspective. Even though they could have deduced that, from the director's seat, only one block was on the table.


Most of the 20 Chinese participants, however, were not confused by the hidden block and knew exactly which block the director was referring to. While following directions was relatively simple for the Chinese, it took Americans twice as long to move a block.

Hmmm............I guess the actual results of the test can be munipulated into being whatever psychologist Boaz Keysar wants. After all, he was in charge of the testing.

I've got a different perspective on the test results. Isn't it possible that Americans are much more analytical and open-minded in their thinking. Regardless of what the director said, the Americans knew there were two blocks on the table from which to choose from, even if one was blocked from veiw. The Chinese on the other hand, being less analytical and more narrow-minded in approaching a problem solving situation took the path of least resistance and chose to deal with the only block they observed sitting before them. They did this because the Chinese are taught from birth not to question those in a position of authority. That tends to happen in a communist country where the failure to follow the directions of a self-proclaimed dictator can result in serious consequence.

When Americans are confronted with a problem, they're much more apt to ask direct questions as part of the analysis stage before arriving at a solution. Personally, I don't see this as a bad thing, unless of course you're in a life or death situation that demands immediate action.

Then why do fist fights break out in the Taiwan and South Korean Parliments? In the Chinese Politburo the perps would probably be executed, that is why fights don't break out there.

Take a look at Chinese people collectively.

Take a look at "the Mother Land", [Communist] China.

Watch as Communist China surfaces nuclear subs amidst our Pacific naval fleets (remember that?)...

Watch as Communist China conducts wargames with Russia..

Watch as Communist China muscles its products into America, and racks up history's largest trade surplus...

etc...

Does this look like a "compassionate" country that "understands" others' perspectives and needs??

Take a step back and look at the big picture.