The Role of Culture Bump in Developing Intercultural Communication Competency and Internationalizing Psychology Education

Abstract

This article describes the Culture Bump Approach to intercultural training across three separate projects and its impact on the behavior and attitudes of participants in these projects. The authors analyzed participants' self-assessments using Bennett's Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity and found a higher level of positive response than this model would predict, and they discuss this result in terms of culture bump theory. In particular, they highlight the Culture Bump Approach's inclusion of human commonalities and its micro-cultural approach rather than a macro-cultural approach. Finally, they explore how the Culture Bump Approach is salient in promoting integration and connectivity in higher education and its importance in teaching psychology at the college and university level.

Internationalizing the U.S. Undergraduate Psychology Curriculum: A Qualitative Investigation of Faculty Perspectives

“…The peer-to-peer interactions that are possible because of their presence contribute to greater intercultural knowledge, improved attitudes, and enhanced cross-cultural skills (Sanchez, De Paul Chism, Serafini, & Judd, 2012; Wickline, 2012). Self-assessment activities such as Bennett's Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity encourage students to assess their cultural awareness (Archer & Nikson, 2012), whereas creative activities such as a “cultural scavenger hunt” can be used to immerse students within U.S. ethnic minority or local communities when studying abroad (Wesp & Baumaun, 2012). Responding to the Task Force's goal related to psychology and global issues, diverse immersion experiences and activities can be used to enhance students' understanding of their role as citizens in the world and assist them in recognizing their privileges and prejudices through engagement with international peers.…”

Interpreters’ perceptions of culture bumps in genetic counseling

“…When cultural expectations do not align between the provider and the patient, culture bumps may arise. Archer and Nickson explain culture bump theory as a means for understanding the effect of cultural differences on perceptions (2012b). Culture bump theory, therefore, provides a useful framework to help examine both the issues brought upon by discrepant perceptions, as well as the ‘culture bump steps’, a strategic and purposeful approach to cultural differences that can foster growth and ‘opportunities to learn more about oneself and others’ (Archer & Nickson, 2012b).…”

Gaining interdisciplinary perspectives on environmental psychology in Costa Rica.

“…This last point highlights an activity we definitely would have incorporated had we known of it: addressing the "culture bump." Culture bumps occur when people have an expectation for a cultural behavior but encounter something unexpected, disquieting, and unnerving (Archer & Nickson, 2012). While in Costa Rica, we were aware of several experiences that students found unsettling or disturbing.…”