Thesis
Causal attribution and cultural difference: an analysis of Olympic success in U.S. and China
Washington State University
Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
2009
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/103703
Abstract
Cultural differences between the United States and East Asian countries such as China are well-documented in cross-cultural research. While numerous accounts showed cultural differences on an individual level, few studies looked at media reports as a cultural level reflection of values and beliefs. The present study examines attribution of success by U.S. and China in both individual interviews and news reports in the context of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games. Present findings show that attribution process is individual oriented in the U.S context--focusing on personal characteristics and self motivation; in the Chinese context, on the other hand, both individual athletes and media reports ascribe the success to social factors, including support and encouragement from socially important others, societal motivation, and national pride. The results suggest that individual accounts consistent with cultural norms serve as reflection as well as reinforcement of cultural values.
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Details
- Title
- Causal attribution and cultural difference
- Creators
- Mei Hua
- Contributors
- Alex Tan (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Edward R. Murrow College of Communication
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Pullman, Wash. :
- Identifiers
- 99900525200501842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis