Abstract
Based on the work of Michael Cole, one of the most remarkable representatives of American cultural psychology, the paper outlines main topics of the field, specifically in relation to the methodological issues of intercultural studies on cognitive processes. Described are the scientific shifts in the development of M.
Cole's views, documented by his own research studies. From among the relevant theoretical and methodological issues, discussed are the questions of ecological validity of the research,in which any explanations of cultural developmental differences by specific educational factors are disputable as a result of mutual interdependence of culture,education and cognition.
The study also refers to the theoretical background of Cole'sapproach, as impacted by the European traditions in cultural psychology (representedby L. S.
Vygotskij and A. R.
Lurija).