Cognitive Styles among Three Generations of Mexican American Children

Abstract

It was hypothesized that the cognitive styles of Mexican American children would become increasingly more field independent from the first to the third generation. In addition, a decline in sex differences vas expected to follow a similar pattern. A comparison group of Anglo American children was also included in the study. Results were not in line with the original hypotheses: Anglo American children were the most field independent and showed the smallest sex difference followed, respectively, by second, first, and third generation Mexican American children. Results are discussed as the possible outcome of selective migration and community acculturation processes.