T, Davood N. (2002). A Cross Cultural Study of Rigidity, Flexibility and Psychological Normality in Iranian and Indian College Students. Unpublished. Ph.D., Psychology of Education. Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
The objectives of the study were: (1) Tracing the level of normality and rigidity in Indian and Iranian Students. (2) Verifying the relationship between rigidity and normality. (3) Tracing the general differences in respective rigidity and normality. (4) Considering the interaction amongst all possible groups and sub-groups in respect to normality & rigidity along with sub-factors whenever is required.
The sample comprised incidentally chosen 600 students (150 males and 150 females from each culture: Iran (Tehran) and India (Ahmedabad city)).
The data were collected by administering Rigidity test (Ansaly F.B.1976) and Normality test (Raval P.H.1989).
The survey method was employed.
The data were analyzed with the help of ANOVA, t-test and Correlation.
The major findings were: (1) The culture difference has affected the level of normality and rigidity and also rigidity sub factors. (2) Two gender groups approximately did not differ from each other in all the variables like rigidity, normilily and rigidity six sub factors. (3) Iranian students are less rigid and more normal and less introvert, less conservative and bearing less fusion of fear and more adaptable than Indian students. Iranian students were more automatism than Indian students. Both the cultural groups were equal in intolerance. (4) In gender group comparison, two groups of males and females did not differ in respect of level of normality, rigidity, introversion, conservatism, fusion of fear, intolerance and adaptability. They differed in respect to automatism, male students having more automatism then female. (5) Two culture male groups did not differ in rigidity and conservatism and intolerance. But Iranian male students were more normal and having less fusion of fear than Indian male students. Indian students were less introvert and having less automatism than Iranian students. Both the male groups were equal in adaptability. (6) Iranian female students were found to be less rigid, more normal, less conservative, more adaptable and having less fusion of fear than Indian female students. (7) Among Indian students, female students were found to be more rigid, less normal and having less fusion of fear than male students. Male students were found to be more adaptable than female students. Both the Indian male and female students were equal in introversion, conservatism, automatism and intolerance. (8) Iranian male students were found to be more rigid and more automatism than Iranian female students. Female students were found to be more conservative than male students. Both the groups were found to be equal in normally introversion, fusion of fear, intolerance & adaptability.
Keyword(s): Cross Cultural Study, Rigidity, Flexibility , Psychological Normality, Iranian , Higher Education, College Students