Stanford Psychology Podcast
148 - Dorsa Amir: How Culture Shapes Cognition
Feb 27, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Dorsa Amir, an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Duke University, explores how culture shapes cognition. She introduces a groundbreaking framework with four pathways of cultural influence on cognitive processes. Dorsa discusses the surprising ways cultural contexts affect perception and memory, emphasizing the importance of language and technology. Her unique blend of anthropology and cognitive science sheds light on cognitive adaptability, challenging notions of universal experiences in visual illusions.
35:52
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Quick takeaways
- Culture is a complex and fluid concept that varies significantly in its interpretation and influence on cognitive processes across diverse backgrounds.
- Dorsa Amir's proposed framework outlines four pathways of cultural influence on cognition, highlighting possibilities for both cognitive enrichment and loss.
Deep dives
Defining Culture
Culture is a complex term with varying definitions, often encompassing practices, beliefs, language, and shared knowledge within a group. The discussion highlights that culture is not easily defined and its interpretation may shift depending on context. It signifies how individuals from different backgrounds may have varying interpretations and experiences of the same cultural elements. Understanding this complexity is paramount, especially when exploring its impact on cognition.
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