Differences between ROTC and Non-ROTC Students in Perception of Self, others, and Cadets

Abstract

The purpose was to determine significant differences among the perceptions of ROTC cadets and non-ROTC students. 35 ROTC and 35 non-ROTC subjects completed a 20-item semantic differential for each of the following: self, students in general, and ROTC cadets (or if the subject was a cadet, how non-ROTC students would rate cadets). A 2 × 35 × 3 analysis of variance was performed for each item. ROTC cadets displayed a somewhat generalized negative response set. On 13 of the items cadets displayed differential perceptions of themselves and others. These perceptions may be characterized by inflated ratings of self on aggressive, reputable, honorable, and patriotic and a deflated view of other students' ratings of ROTC cadets on intelligent, cooperative, honest, successful, and sane