Cross-cultural study and analysis is the practice of comparatively and contextually studying cultural tendencies in a global context (Silverman, 2016). In this pursuit, an emphasis is placed on the theory, method, and application of the method as well as the subject matter. Cross-cultural comparison, especially as concerns specific approaches to theories put forward, are often subject to interpretation influenced or based on previous norms and experiences. Different people often subconsciously view and interpret culture through the lens of what they are used to. However, it is possible to objectively view culture from the lens of objectivity while comparing different approaches to the different subject matter (Smith, 2015). Cross-cultural analysis is often empirical, methodical and data-driven. Both the Christian and non-Christian approaches are often guided by carefully collecting data around the set parameters with the aim of deducing conclusions based on the interpretation of the data collected (Walliman, 2017). The aim of cross-cultural studies is to illuminate understanding, through multiple approaches, of human cultures in various parts of the world. The underlying belief is that by understanding how others live, individuals are able to gain a better understanding of who they are through the learning that takes place due to cross-cultural exchanges. The question put forth is whether the Christian approach to cross-cultural quantitative research differs from the non-Christian approach and if so in what ways. In responding to this concern, it is important to first understand the demands that the Christian approach creates and how they are tackled especially when compared to the non-Christian approach.Therefore, in this paper, an attempt will be made at understanding the Christian approach to understanding cultural practices and theories compared to the non-Christian, contemporary approach. The main goal is to conclusively highlight with evidence, whether there is a difference between the Christian and the non-Christian approach to cross-cultural quantitative research.
Cross-Cultural Quantitative Research
Cross-cultural studies are very methodical in their approach. The methods used are empirical, precise and scientific. There are different types of cross-cultural study methods. However, most of them follow one basic format (Silverman, 2016). This entails the formulation of the research question, sampling, determining the measures, analysis of data, and presentation of results and conclusions. Both the Christian and non-Christian approaches to cross-cultural studies make use of this format.
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Formulation of the Research Question
Formulation of the research question is guided by the main objective of the research effort. Key questions include; what is the researcher aiming to find out? Or what is the focus of the research? Another guiding principle is the presence of a theory that has been put forward that the researcher is aiming to verify. The formulation of a research question is also heavily determined by the scope and specialization of the researcher. This is carried out with the aim of establishing the main topic or an area of focus that a researcher is interested in focussing on. The researcher must consider several factors that could affect the outcomes of the research including the budget or financial considerations of the research; the availability of time and freedom from other commitments; as well as the duration of the study. All these factors help determine the level of involvement that will be required to complete the study successfully.
Sampling
Sampling can be described as random testing from a range of diverse multiples (Smith, 2015). There are different types of multiples. However, maintaining the same level of diversity within the multiples is the most credible way of obtaining a sample size. In cross-cultural research, it is often vital to pick a sample size with some of the desired traits that are being tested. For instance, if the research question concerns a particular cultural practice by a particular ethnic group, then it is best to pick a set of people from the ethnic group that carries out the practice and others that don't within the sample size.
Sampling is guided by certain principles during cross-cultural research. These include determining the range of variables that are being considered, choosing a sample size that contains some of the subjects that are being focused on, and lastly, using a sample size large enough that the fields of consideration are diverse enough to conclude. This helps to lend credibility to results that will be obtained once the data is analyzed. Sampling is the primary source of the data used. It is a critical component, and if anything goes wrong at this stage, all the preparations made as well as the energy exerted usually amounts to naught. Thus, sampling is a sensitive stage and a key determinant of the overall success of a research study (Smith, 2015).
Determining the Measures
Once a hypothesis is put forward, the limits on the variables have to be established. Measures are necessary because they help define the limits or the scope of the study as well as the standard by which the data will be examined against (Silverman, 2016). Various principles guide measurement or the creation of measures for a cross-cultural study. These include specificity which is the ability of a measure to be as focused as possible on the trait being examined. The other principle is directness which is the ability to measure the trait as directly as possible. The last one is variation in testing in which where applicable; a concept should be tested in different ways.
Analysis of Data
The analysis of data is aimed at finding relationships in the data. This process is often scientific and done with the aim of understanding and acknowledging the overall trends that are emerging (Mesman et al., 2016). Finding relationships between variables helps to establish patterns from which conclusions can be drawn. The analysis of data collected often shows the emergence of patterns which are meant to lead to certain conclusions. The mathematical tabulation of data according to the designed measures often makes or breaks a study. A lot of care is usually exercised at this stage of the process. It is here that statistical evidence begins to support or deny a hypothesis that has been put forward. The theory is often established or disproved at this point. The opportunity to automate data analysis often enables the establishment of more accuracy during this stage of the study. As a result, a wide range of software exists to facilitate this critical part of the process. Once satisfactorily concluded, a study can now move to its final stage.
Results and Conclusion
The results and conclusion of a study are often ford mulated once the process of analyzing data is complete. This process entails creating a conclusion based on the inference obtained from the final data analysis conducted. Once the conclusion has been derived, it is then possible to settle on a method for presenting the study findings.
The Difference Between Christian and Non-Christian Approach to Cross-Cultural Quantitative Research
Even though the Christian and non-Christian approaches share several similarities particularly with regard to the procedure, the two differ in several ways. Cross-cultural research from the Christian perspective has its roots in the work of Christian missionaries. For centuries, missionary work acted as the first contact point for many tribes and people in the far corners of the world. The spreading of the gospel and success of Christianity as a religion has occurred due to the ability of men and women of the faith from the west to traverse the world spreading the good news and the gospel of peace (Stott, 2015). It is through the work of these men and women that the great commission is fulfilled as explained in Matthew 28:18-20 where Jesus Christ commanded his disciples to go into the world making disciples of men, baptizing them in the name of the father, the son and the Holy Spirit (KJV, 2015). The Christian experience with cultures from other parts of the world required them to take the gospel to these remote places. These efforts were made out of a sense of duty for the divine responsibility given to them as a result of the command that Jesus gave to his disciples. Based on this, the Christian approach to cross-cultural study is unique and different from the conventional secular approach. There are several unique traits that guide this approach namely Judeo-Christian ethnocentrism (Haynes, 2016); belief in the triune Godhead (Foster, 2018; Jesuroga, 2010; McKnight, 2011 ); open bias towards a particular set of values (Mesman et al., 2016); comparative analysis based on the Bible (Foster, 2018; Johnson, 2017 ); and divine inspiration as a form of empowerment. However, the critical differences between the conventional scientific approach and the Christian approach to cross-cultural quantitative research can be conceptualized in terms of the biblical basis, moral basis, mindsets, challenging traditional norms, and perceived benefits.
Biblical Basis
As opposed to non-Christian scholars, Christian scholars deploy a unique approach to research in that there must be an over-riding biblical basis that tethers their scientific endeavors. Justification for the research efforts, in this case, is derived from the Bible and provides the basis for the work being undertaken. The Bible generally encourages high regard for human life and the environment that God created. Reverence for the life of man is also cemented even further because the man was made in God's image as explained in Genesis 2. This fact means that Christian scholars have a substantial human interest in their approach to cross-cultural research. This is not a guarantee in the traditional scientific approach. It is also worth noting that Christian scholars use biblical basis as the source of inspiration for the work they do. Conversely, conventional scientific approaches often approach cross-cultural research from the place of a non-biased point of view. This differs from the Christian approach to carrying out cross-cultural quantitative research whose religious justification is just as necessary as the hypothesis that is being tested.
Moral Basis
The Christian scholarly approach aims to understand the moral and ethical makeup of the hypothesis being tested without necessarily being informed by the data-led approach that chiefly informs the non-Christian approach. For instance, instead of just posing the question; “why are things done in a particular way?” a Christian scholar could ask the question; “Is the motive why things are done that way right?” or “Is that in line with God’s teachings on the issue.” The morality or underlying motive that guides the actions or habits of a particular cultural element or practice are just as important as the subject matter that is being researched. Therefore, the question of the moral basis of a subject matter must be answered with equal importance as the hypothesis itself. This is a case of understanding and answering a question within a question. These elements are absent in non-Christian cross-cultural research.
A Different Mindset
In Proverbs 25:2, the Bible states that "it is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but it is the glory of kings to search it out." Many Christian scholars approach research work with a sense of divine duty. For them, this sort of work takes on extra significance because it carries the additional impetus of religious importance. The mindset of a Christian scholar is that of a man or woman who researches as though they are on a journey to confirm a truth that God has already established. They are merely undertaking the noble task of revealing a mystery whose answer God had already preordained before time. This is different among other scientists who let their research take them on a journey of discovery which they faithfully follow to its conclusion, wherever that may be or whatever answers it may lead to. In contrast, the mindset of Christian scholar is to try and approach the hypothesis with the aim of matching it to a fundamental truth that already exists. The Christian approach can be understood as taking a journey with an idea of what to expect once the destination is arrived at. The conventional scientific approach can be considered as embarking on a journey without knowing where it leads and hoping that the clues along the way will provide enough leads to take us to the right place. This is based on the evidence that has been gathered along the way which in this case is the scientific data.
Challenging the Conventional Norms
The very nature of Christian doctrine is to go against the grain and the conventional norms in today’s world. This ethos underlines a subtle, gentle approach of challenging the traditional way of doing things even in the pursuit of cross-cultural research which always conforms to the accepted norms and patterns. In John 17:15, Christ prays and asks his Father in heaven "not to take them away from Earth but to protect them from the evil one." In this text, Jesus alludes to the unique nature of those that believe in him and acknowledges the perils that his followers are vulnerable too because his nature goes against the accepted, conventional ways of doing things on Earth. This phenomenon has not escaped Christian scholars who have to bear with greater scrutiny of their work because of their faith. This burden is unique to Christian scholars and therefore means that they must go above and beyond the standard threshold that other scholars are subjected to. This phenomenon is absent for the non-Christian scholars.
Perceived Strengths
One of the perceived advantages of the Christian approach is that it presupposes the link between the personal impacts of the work done on the actual researcher carrying out the work. There is meant to be the real impact of the work done on the person and the people around them all based on the need to do the greater good and leaving a lasting impact. The Christian approach is meant to enhance the success of others. It also aims to have a lasting effect that facilitates the works of others by collaborating and prioritizing the value of lasting relationships. This often means that a more humanitarian approach might is favored than an outright goal-oriented scientific one approach. Challenges are more readily accepted since a faith-based approach implies that the difficulties faced are part of a personal growth process that forms character and improves a person's mental fortitude. Conversely, the non-Christian approach is heavily goal-oriented and has clear, achievable objectives. There is explicit reliance on data, and thus any bias is heavily discouraged. This methodical approach of mainstream cross-cultural research means that it is standardized and therefore the body of work can be shared beyond a specific geographical area.
Conclusion
Overall, there are distinct differences between the Christian approaches to cross-cultural research and the more conventional, widely known and structured scientific methods. The Christian approach is faith-based, and while it follows the scientific procedures, there is still room for the scholars to exercise the influence that faith has on them. It also facilitates a context for faith to be applied within the limits of work. The non-Christian scientific approach, on the other hand, does not encourage any bias or leaning towards a particular conclusion. This approach tends to devise the most accurate ways of answering any queries that have been put forward. In contrast, the Christian way of carrying cross-cultural research is a faith-based approach for the unique reason that faith is also a personal way of life and a subject matter of research in many instances. This unique way of operation means that the Christian method of cross-cultural research is different when compared to the more non-Christian method. Notable areas of deviation between the two approaches include biblical basis, moral basis, mindsets, challenging conventional norms, and perceived benefits.
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