Fun with blocks…. 

It’s certainly possible that culture will impact perception, though my immediate reaction was to want to know the exact command the “director” gave to participants, in both Chinese and English.  The a/the distinction (neither of which even exists in Chinese) could cause the confusion.  If told to move “a block,” American subjects would naturally assume that the director is aware of both blocks, whereas “the block” would require deduction of the other person’s point of view.

The researchers seem aware that such a gross generalization doesn’t prove anything, but it does provide fun anecdotal evidence.  Still interesting… 

I have to give props to Allahpundit for the best take on it: “There’s nothing like a totalitarian culture to help broaden your horizons and impart respect for others’ points of view.”

No comments yet.