Several researches identified that many students find physics the most difficult science subject. The quest to find ways to make learning physics more meaningful and interesting has lasted for decades. Even with all the new strategies and pedagogies being used, many students still find the subject formidable. This study critically explored the…

To date, little research has been published related to cross-cultural differences in such marital factors as love, intimacy, happiness, and satisfaction. The present study compares factors contributing to marital satisfaction and examines correlations between the importance of these factors and the level of satisfaction for three groups: Asian…

Discussion of orphans in children's literature focuses on an analysis of 50 folktales from different cultures that reveals universal elements. A comparison of these patterns to "The Secret Garden" demonstrates how patterns found in orphan folktales were adapted and applied in children's fiction. (Author/LRW)

In Scandinavian countries a relatively large percentage of the population is actively engaged in literary pursuits, and there is consensus that creative writers warrant public support. The history and importance of Scandinavian literature are examined. (RM)

Designed for elementary and secondary school social studies educators, this examination of the beliefs, values, customs, and philosophies of diverse groups of Mennonites living in the United States focuses specifically on major differences between and among the Holdeman Mennonites, the Hutterites, the General Conference Mennonites, the Mennonite…

Replicated study investigating cultural differences between Cuban immigrants and Anglo-Americans. The earlier study used a nonclinical adolescent population. This study used an adult population in outpatient treatment. Results indicated the groups differ in relational, temporal, and person-nature orientations, confirming previous findings and…

A study measured student agreement or disagreement with statements related to G. Hofstede's dimensions of culture and compares those responses with various cultural characteristics of the respondents. A 40-item Likert-type questionnaire was administered to 535 university students (301 females, 234 males) enrolled in business and communication…

The cross-cultural appropriateness of the Mirels and Garrett (1971) Protestant Work Ethic Scale was assessed by comparing the factor structures of Anglo American, Chicano, and Mexican samples. Full scale comparisons indicated endorsement in the following order: Mexicans, Chicanos, and Anglo Americans. Cultural differences in orientation towards…

Reveals that Canada's daily newspapers display remarkable cultural affinities toward their readers' respective cultural homelands--the French-language newspapers toward France and the English-language ones toward the United Kingdom. (FL)

This study examined the emergence of cultural self-constructs as reflected in children's remembered and conceptual aspects of the self. European American and Chinese children in preschool through 2nd grade participated (N=180). Children each recounted 4 autobiographical events and described themselves in response to open-ended questions. American…

To achieve effective intercultural communication, participants must understand how behavioral differences may lead to miscommunication. Such behavioral differences can be illustrated by Arab and American nonverbal behavior. Individualism is the ideal for the American middle class, whereas Arabs are motivated by public opinion. Yet in the Arab…

A study of American Indian practices and beliefs is useful as a counterpoint to the assumptions of western technological societies. American Indian culture includes a spiritual heritage that integrates both a tribe and individuals with the universe. It emphasizes harmony with all aspects of life and provides a model for redefining the…

The purpose of this essay is to explore the relationship between the home life and child rearing techniques of Chinese families in Taiwan, and the academic readiness and achievement of the children of these families. Research reveals that Taiwanese children, both individually and in a group, are among the highest achievers in all international…

Christians have a limited understanding of the contemporary Jewish community in its variety, devotion, contribution to character, and perception of its heritage. This research project contrasts family cultural patterns of the Orthodox Jew to those of select white middle class Christian families in America (especially Catholics) to help foster…

Comments on a preceding discussion of control in Japanese and American cultures by Weisz et al. Discusses forms and modes of control, the context-boundedness of interpersonal relations, and concept of self in Japan. (KH)