Identifying cultural values with story completions: Comparing the narratives of Hmong and American children
Author(s):
Greene, William Lewis
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
M.A.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : California State University, Fresno, 1993.
Pages:
68
Language:
English
Abstract:
This study utilized a story completion technique to compare cultural values among Hmong and American elementary school children. An elemental matrix was established to assess whether or not a preference existed relating to the values themes included in this study--social orientation, role of authority, moral/ethical rectitude, role of fate/chance, and physical aggression. Following the collection of subjects' oral narrative responses to story prompts, the transcribed texts were scored independently by three readers. The chi-square test of independence revealed few contrasts between the two groups. These findings supported the hypothesis that, in spite of varying cultural experiences and family backgrounds, the cultural values of the Hmong and the American groups did not differ significantly. Possible explanations for the results of this study, including acculturation and bicognitive development, are discussed in the context of cultural change within immigrant and refugee groups.