The Semantic Differential Technique

Abstract

Osgood's Semantic Differential Technique was used to investigate responses of Chicano and Anglo high school students on five concepts viewed as basic to the traditional Mexican family structure: (1) self, (2) male, (3) female, (4) father, and (5) mother. It was found that the Chicanos and Anglos differed significantly on the five concepts, suggesting that these concepts have different affective meanings for the two cultural groups. The results also showed that the differences seem to be centered around the Potency dimension. In addition, there were sex differences, also centered around the Potency dimension, as well as an ethnic by sex interaction.