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Dimensions of late adolescent popularity in two cultures: Taiwan and the United States
Abstract
This study is concerned with a cross-cultural investigation of adolescent perceptions of popularity. In contrast to previous approaches, this study was designed to uncover factors determined by adolescents themselves. Using unconstrained methods of analyzing and interpreting data, we are allowed to increase the possibility of new findings. The purpose of this study was to identify naturally emerging categories used by adolescents in describing popular peers and to explore for possible dimensions that underlie the categories. Nineteen categories were identified. Some of these were similar to categories surfaced by previous research; others, like group-benefitted attributes, and qualities of social interaction, were previously unknown. The dimensions of adolescent popularity were suggested as Relational Orientation versus Appearance and Status and Ascribed versus Achieved. Cross-cultural comparisons were made through the use of sorting procedures, chi-square analysis, cluster analysis, and multidimensional scaling (ALSCAL & INDSCAL). By conceptualizing culture itself as a theoretical variable, interpretations were based on two lines: cultural-developmental tasks and the cultural dimension of collectivism versus individualism.
Subject Area
Social psychology|Developmental psychology
Recommended Citation
Chen, Feching, "Dimensions of late adolescent popularity in two cultures: Taiwan and the United States" (1992). Doctoral Dissertations Available from Proquest. AAI9233044.
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI9233044