Search

Experiential and didactic approaches are both prevalent and potentially valuable; this study seeks to compare and contrast the methods of each. One specific simulation is examined: BAFA BAFA. This intercultural simulation is widely used and supported by educators, but few researchers have empirically tested its effectiveness. The results showed that, although BAFA BAFA did motivate students to do better in class, the simulation actually increased students' ethnocentrism in contrast to courses not using BAFA BAFA. The implications of these findings for education and future research are discussed.

Anxiety/Uncertainty Management theory, as formulated by Gudykunst and Hammer (1987a), proposes that intercultural adaptation outcomes are based on the two mediating dimensions of uncertainty reduction and anxiety reduction and sixteen secondary variables that systematically influence uncertainty and anxiety reduction. In this paper, the sixteen variables originally identified are categorized into four 'fundamental factors' (interpersonal saliencies, intergroup saliencies, communication message exchange, and host contact conditions). The present study examines this revised Anxiety/Uncertainty Management (AUM) theory of intercultural adaptation. A total of 291 international students at two universities in the United States participated in the study. The study found overall fit of the revised AUM theory vis-a-vis the two mediating factors of uncertainty and anxiety reduction, the importance of interpersonal saliencies for uncertainty reduction, and the importance of host contact conditions for facilitating feelings of comfort and reducing anxiety. Intergroup saliencies were significantly related to uncertainty reduction but not, contrary to expectation, to anxiety reduction. Communication message exchange (which consists of information gathering strategies and second language proficiency) was, again contrary to expectation, not significantly related to either uncertainty or anxiety reduction. Finally, cultural identity showed a small though significant negative relationship to intergroup saliencies, suggesting a stronger, in group identity was associated with increased uncertainty. The paper concludes by proffering explanations for the findings and suggestions for future research.