What research method did Varnum and Kitayama (2011) use to study self-concepts?

The choice regarding the analysis of popular baby names is correct because Varnum and Kitayama (2011) examined self-concepts by investigating cultural differences in the names given to children in different societies. This approach reflects how names can carry cultural significance and influence the development of self-concept, effectively connecting individual identity to larger cultural narratives. By analyzing the trends in baby names across different cultures, the researchers were able to infer how these names may reflect individualistic or collectivistic cultural orientations, thereby impacting self-perception and identity formation.

This method is effective because it utilizes existing data to draw conclusions about societal values and individual self-concept without imposing experimental conditions, which may alter the natural behaviors or responses of the subjects involved. Analyzing baby names also allows researchers to look at a broad, longitudinal dataset that captures cultural shifts over time, offering valuable insights into how self-identification may vary between different cultures or social contexts.