Q-method study describing the diversity awareness of college students in theme housing

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: The purpose of this study was to describe college students' types of diversity awareness using Vontress's theory (1979; 1988; 1996) in the context of participation in three types of theme housing. Thirty-nine students participated in the study. Data were analyzed using Q methodology. Phone follow-up interviews were conducted with 10 students.

Findings and Conclusions: Three distinct factor viewpoints emerged from the data analysis: Empathic Orientation, Relationship Orientation, and Experiential Orientation. The first view, defined by eight sorts, was named Empathy Orientation because participants with this view feel a strong connection to and understanding of others' circumstances, even when they are geographically distant. The second view was defined by eight sorts and was named Relationship Orientation because participants with this view understand others with whom they have some kind of relationship, and these relationships are built upon a recognition of similarities and then differences. The third view was defined by nine sorts and was named Experiential Orientation because participants with this view participate or would like to participate in cultural activities. Any student in the study was potentially able to describe their diversity awareness using Vontress's theory (1979; 1988; 1996) and participants from all demographic backgrounds held the three views (i.e. no one demographic dominated any viewpoint). Several conclusions emerged from this study: theme housing may help create or maintain diversity awareness in some form; different types of diversity awareness may exist among students; and similarities may be a very important piece of diversity awareness for some students.