The cross-cultural psychologists study how social and cultural contexts influence human behavior. As cultures differ, so also the nature and interpretations of human behavior. Behaviors judged normal in one culture may be judged as undesirable in another culture.

This branch of psychology examines all aspects of cultural determinants of behavior. The cross-cultural psychologists rely heavily on observational and ethnographic methods to understand culture’s unique ways of child rearing and socialization practices. They attempt to understand those aspects of human behaviors that help people adapt to their cultural environment.