PERCEPTION OF COLLEGE-STUDENTS OF WORKING AND LIVING WITH PEOPLE WITHMENTAL-RETARDATION

The purpose of the study was to find out whether there was any change in the perception of college students as a result of working and livin g with people with mental retardation for 10 days. The subjects were 7 mentally retarded adults between 18 - 21 years of age and 69 college students of a similar age. Pre tests and post tests were conducted and the data were analysed, using a test of significance for difference o f proportion. The analysis of data indicates a statistically significa nt positive change of attitude, establishing the fact that even mere c ontact can pave the way for a better understanding of the problems of MR Persons, and for MR Persons to learn the social skills of interacti on with the non-handicapped.