Studying cognitive development in cultural context: A multi-level analysis approach

I discuss a multi-level analysis approach in the study of cognitive development in cultural context. In this approach, culture is conceived of as a system and a process of symbolic mediation, where values, norms, and beliefs manifest in and through customs, rituals, and practices in directing and regulating both intrapersonal and interpersonal psychological functions. To capture the dynamic process in which cognitive development unfolds in cultural context, this approach examines the influence of culture on the developing cognitive skills between groups - group level analysis, between the child and socialization agents - dyadic level analysis, at the level of the child - individual level analysis, and within the child - situation level analysis. The temporal level analysis further situates cognitive development in historical time. By utilizing different analytical and methodological strategies, the multi-level analysis approach provides converging evidence for the development of cognitive skills in cultural context. Important challenges in this approach include the development of a "big picture" to guide the investigation, methodological training for research assistants, and difficulties in collecting, managing, and analyzing diverse datasets. I discuss the conceptual and methodological issues by using our work on the development of episodic thinking as an example.