If a psychologist studies the hidden meanings that people of different countries attach to their birthday greetings, she/he is studying which cultural characteristics?

A. Explicit
B. Collectivist
C. Individualist
D. Implicit

I think it's C, but not sure

I don't think so. Reread your text or enter these characteristics in your browser and find definitions for them.

Reed, I have gone through every one of them and I am still stumped!

Read the section titled "Like Water to Fish" in this article.

http://www.ehow.com/info_8741313_explicit-implicit-characteristics-culture.html

As I understand it, individualist characteristics involve every man for himself with little regard for "social" or cultural norms. How to interpret birthday greetings involves a cultural norm, shared among members of a society or culture. Such meanings would be implicit, unstated, but very real. See if that idea matches what you have read.

http://www.answers.com/Q/Difference_between_implicit_and_explicit_culture

To determine the correct answer, let's break down the question and the answer choices:

The psychologist is studying the hidden meanings that people of different countries attach to their birthday greetings. This implies that the psychologist is examining the cultural aspects related to birthday greetings across various countries.

Now, let's analyze the answer choices:

A. Explicit: This refers to concepts, ideas, or behaviors that are clearly stated, open, or easily understandable. It does not directly relate to studying hidden meanings in cultural practices, so it is not the correct answer.

B. Collectivist: Collectivism emphasizes the importance of the group and community over individual desires or needs. While certain cultural characteristics related to collectivism may influence birthday greetings, this answer choice does not specifically account for the study of hidden meanings. Therefore, it is not the correct answer.

C. Individualist: Individualism highlights the significance of personal freedom and independence over group obligations. While individualism may influence how people perceive birthday greetings, it does not address the study of hidden meanings explicitly associated with cultural practices. Therefore, this is not the correct answer either.

D. Implicit: Implicit refers to concepts or ideas that are implied or indirectly expressed, rather than explicitly stated. The psychologist studying hidden meanings within birthday greetings would likely be examining cultural characteristics that are indirectly or implicitly communicated through these greetings. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Implicit.

Thus, the psychologist studying the hidden meanings that people of different countries attach to their birthday greetings is studying implicit cultural characteristics.