On the Validity of the East-West Questionnaire

Abstract

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the East-West Questionnaire significantly differentiates between an Eastern-oriented group and a Western-oriented group. The Eastern-oriented group of 36 practitioners of Zen meditation were from Midwestern Soto Zen centers. The Western-oriented group of 34 students in an introductory psychology class had never meditated or practiced any marital arts discipline. Analysis of covariance adjusted for differences between the groups in age, education, and sex. A significant main effect was found for group membership. Results support the hypothesis that the East-West Questionnaire is a valid instrument for measuring agreement with Eastern and Western value orientations.