Honors Theses
Date of Award
2015
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Karen Christoff
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
This study examined the personal experiences of hearing people in their interactions with Deaf persons and their knowledge about Deaf culture. The research involved questioning hearing people about their perceptions and interactions with Deaf people and Deaf culture in an effort to gain insight as to how the lives of Deaf people can be improved in mainstream culture. It was predicted that a majority of hearing participants would describe a lack of knowledge about Deaf culture, discomfort interacting with a Deaf person, and an agreement that a need exists for better understanding of Deaf culture. A survey was conducted with 582 undergraduates at the University of Mississippi. Of the original six hypotheses, the results supported the predictions that a majority of hearing participants would report a lack of knowledge about Deaf culture and how to interact with a Deaf person and that hearing participants would agree that there is a need for better understanding of Deaf culture. The results indicate positive attitudes about Deaf people and further show the need for improvement of public knowledge about Deaf culture and people, which fits within the existing body of research.
Recommended Citation
Hankins, Rebecca C., "Social Interaction Between Deaf and Hearing People" (2015). Honors Theses. 787.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/787
Accessibility Status
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