The Positive Effects of Cultural Immersion on Cross-Cultural Awareness and Knowledge
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Authors
Fouch, Tiffany L.
Issue Date
2009
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The growing range of dissimilar populations in the United States, in addition to the
increased diversity in many professional fields have made multicultural awareness and
sensitivity even more important in recent years. In this particular study, a group of9 mid-western
university psychology students, between the ages of 22 and 26, were culturally
immersed in the African community of Ghana where participants were required to attend
weekly class sessions, engage in community activities, attend nightly group feedback
meetings, and write daily reflections. Prior to immersion, participants were required to
complete the Multicultural Awareness-Knowledge-Skills Survey (MAKSS) for later
comparisons of cultural awareness and knowledge levels, and the revised Personality
Inventory (NEO-PI-R) for measurement of personality types. After implementing total
cultural immersion, there was ultimately an increased cultural awareness as well as
increased knowledge of Ghanaian culture. Furthermore, it was also found that the
personality trait of conscientiousness significantly influenced the degree of the immersion .
experience. In other words, we found that students who tested more conscientious on the
NEO-PI-R reported a deeper experience on the MAKSS. Thus, not only can cultural
awareness and knowledge be increased through total immersion in a short amount of
time, but personality also plays a unique role in success.
Description
vii, 33 p.
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License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder. All rights reserved.