A General Multidimensional Model for the Measurement of Cultural Differences.

A multidimensional model for measuring cultural differences (MCD) based on factor analytic theory and techniques is proposed. The model assumes that a cultural space may be defined by means of a relatively small number of orthogonal dimensions which are linear combinations of a much larger number of cultural variables. Once a suitable, cross-culturally equivalent factorial structure is established, cultural differentials are operationally defined as distances within the cultural space between loci having coordinates equal to factor scores or transforms thereof. The loci may represent individuals as well as group centroids. Additionally, MCD provides for quantitative operational definitions of commonly encountered constructs such as acculturation and biculturalism. Also included is an empirical demonstration of MCD's heuristic properties and advantages over traditional approaches to the measurement of cultural differences. Finally, the implications of the model for current issues in educational/psychological testing are discussed. (Author)