Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2002

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Communication Studies and Theatre

Abstract

This study examined the Peace Corps manual, "Culture Matters, The Peace Corps Cross-Cultural Workbook". The text guides Peace Corps Volunteers through their cross-cultural experience. Using Berger and Calabrese's (1975) seven axioms from their theory of uncertainty reduction in initial interactions as a framework, the reduction of uncertainty was analyzed. The method used was content analysis. Using this as a model, eight research questions were examined for occurrence of items relating to uncertainty reduction in initial interaction. The areas provided a guideline for examining uncertainty reduction in "Culture Matters, The Peace Corps CrossCultural Workbook". The research elicited assumptions about the role of uncertainty reduction in intercultural training. The manual was found to be a comprehensive cross-cultural training model.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Peace Corps (U.S.) -- Vocational guidance Cross-cultural orientation -- Handbooks, manuals, etc. -- Evaluation Intercultural communication

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

86

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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