History
History of the Center
The Center for Cross-Cultural Research (CCCR) was founded in 1969 by Robert Meade (Director, 1969-1985) and Walter J. Lonner (Director, 1986-2004). The Center was started in response to the Euro-American biases in psychological theory, research, and practical applications that were common at that time. The Center’s mission was to promote the scientific study of and education about cultural influences on human psychological functioning.
Since 1969, there have been many significant developments regarding the influence of culture in all aspects of psychological functioning. Through the collective activities of its associates, the Center has made substantial contributions to this growth. It is unusual for a Psychology Department to have so many of its faculty interested in the broad area concerning culture’s influence on behavior; this interest certainly indicates the increasing importance that psychologists place on culture and ethnicity in their thinking and research.
The Center has been connected to the development of two important institutions involved in the growth of Cross-Cultural psychology: the Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology (see Foundational Publications page) and the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology. Primarily through the CCCR’s historical connection with the JCCP, it has been closely tied to IACCP’s organization of some 700 psychologists from approximately 75 countries. In 1998, the CCCR hosted the 14th International Congress of IACCP, which was also the association’s Silver Jubilee conference. Separate information about IACCP, including its publications and how to join at either regular or student rates, can be found at the IACCP website.