A cross-cultural study of the development of cognitive structures in University students : with special reference to Asian students in the University of Queensland

Abstract

This study investigated changes in cognitive structures in Asian students by comparing a group of Asian with a group of Australian university students in similar courses over a three year period. To obtain a valid crosscultural approach a Lewinian conceptual framework was used. Questionnaires and interviews supported by standardised test results probed a wide range of student activities and interests. The aim was to locate differences and similarities and trace changes from initial to final status.For the analysis items were grouped into cognitive, vocational, social and interpersonal regions. The sociological background of the Asian students was examined. Items on which Australian and Asian students were found to differ significantly were used to construct a scale of acculturation. Acculturation scores on initial and final status were compared, and related to academic performance and ethnic background.Results supported the hypothesis that Asian students could be considered as a unique group differing from Australian students in cultural background and adaptation to the Australian university environment. On the items used the Asian students changed more than the Australian students and a positive relationship was found between success of Asian students and change in acculturation in the Australian direction.