Question

what research question should i use on the difference between American culture vs. other countries cultures. what research methodology would be appropriate for this research? why is it the best method and the study could be set up? would there be an ethical considerations to keep in mind if one were to conduct this research?

Answer 1

A general note on setting a research question: A research question addresses a missing fact in explaining a phenomenon. Such research question emerges out of an area of interest an individual has or the question can also arise from a set of literature (work done on a similar area) to fill the gap in the knowledge production.

If you are talking of cultures and want to compare the cultures in America and other countries, you need to narrow down your scope. Because cultures cover a whole range of way of life- it can be the culture of eating, the culture of socializing, the culture of marriage, etc. Therefore, for your research question find a theme where you can locate a gap in the production of knowledge

Example:

Do the Liberal Values which developed in America produced different culture from other countries?

What are the outcomes of the liberal values in the cultural life of America?

What are the similar conditions like the values in America that shape cultures in a particular country?

The research methodology is a comparative methodology. It is the best methodology for such kind of study because it compares similar or different elements found that are found in society across the world. Say, the political system in Uk and US can be studied by a comparative methodology. For the study, if possible there be fieldwork or collecting the data from each of the different settings: here America and the chosen country. We are looking at cultures and trying to explain what governs a particular kind of culture to emerge.

The ethical part of the research will not be there much until and unless an individual agency is compromised in trying to obtain information. As long as the research does not involve a sensitive issue or information, ethical issues are likely to be rise. Therefore, probable issues of ethical can come only when we set up the objectives.