Working Paper Summary 00-07
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Pathways Working Paper 00-07 Whitlow, C. & Oggins, J. (2000, March). What Student Interviewers Learn about Survey Research, Aging and Themselves.
Carol Whitlow, Cornell University
Jean Oggins
Objectives
To find out if interviewing older adults is associated with changes in attitudes and career plans in college students.
Key Findings
- Most students (85%)found their beliefs about aging changed after their Pathways experience: 2/3 had negative beliefs that became more positive, and about 1/3 lost their stereotypes altogether.
- Students reported more positive perspectives on their own aging process
- More students (from 17% to 69%) became interested in gerontology careers.
Implications
Work opportunities and personal experiences involving older adults can have positive effects on students 'attitudes and beliefs and increase their interest in careers relating to gerontology. Academic programs including these opportunities will benefit students and our aging society.
Ithaca College
Center for Health Sciences
Ithaca, NY 14850
Phone: (607) 274-1965
Fax: (607) 274-1968
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