A CONCEPTUAL-MODEL OF THE EFFECTS OF AREA STUDIES TRAINING-PROGRAMS AND A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION OF THE MODELS HYPOTHESIZED RELATIONSHIPS

A quasi-experiment involving a Japan area studies training program was used to explore a conceptual model of the effects of area studies tra ining programs on factors related to cultural adjustment. Training inc reased subjects' factual, conceptual and attributional knowledge. Asso ciations were also found between knowledge changes and attitudinal cha nge. The results suggest such programs may be a useful mechanism for b uilding cultural awareness, but have limited effect on attitudes, beha vioral intentions or perceptions of self-efficacy in the target cultur e.