Domain
Social Sciences
Abstract
This experiment tested the degree to which culture-fit influences memory for the content of a sermon. We hypothesized that people who read a sermon emphasizing the infallibility of Christian scriptures will remember it more accurately if they have collectivistic rather than individualistic values. In contrast, we hypothesized that people who read a sermon emphasizing the subjectivity of Christian scriptures will remember it more accurately if they have individualistic rather than collectivistic values. Participants (n = 270) were randomly assigned to read either an orthodox- or quest-oriented sermon regarding Peter 1:20-21. They then completed a true-false memory test as to whether or not statements were in the sermon they read. Later, they completed an online survey of their cultural values and beliefs. Results indicated that highly collectivistic individuals’ memories were negatively affected in the Quest Condition, but not in the Orthodox Condition. Implications for the culture-fit of religious information are discussed.
Mentor Name
Jonathan Gore
Mentor Email
jonathan.gore@eku.edu
Recommended Citation
Adkins, Emily N.; McKnight, Madelyn; and Gore, Jonathan S.
(2021)
"The Importance of Culture-Fit for Remembering Church Sermons,"
Kentucky Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship: Vol. 5:
Iss.
1, Article 3.
Available at:
https://encompass.eku.edu/kjus/vol5/iss1/3