International Knowledge Displayed by School Psychology Students in the U.S.A.

Abstract

Psychology isbecoming a global profession whose members are expected to display knowledge ofinternational events and conditions that may impact their discipline. Knowledgeof important international events and conditions seemingly enables professionalpersonnel to more effectively obtain and use global resources and understand andguide global policy. Prior studies found young adults in the U.S.A. generallydisplay less knowledge of international issues than their age peers in otherindustrialized countries ( Cogan,Torney-Purta, & Anderson, 1988 ; Roper ASW, 2002 ; Roper Public Affairs GFK,2006 ; Zhao,Lin, & Hoge, 2007 ). This study examines the degreeof international knowledge displayed by 438 school psychology students in theU.S.A. over six domains: international relations, global demographics, currentevents, international economics, international school psychology, and geography.The students generally display a higher level of international knowledge thanother young adults in the U.S.A., and at a level similar to age peers in otherindustrialized nations. Participants enrolled in doctoral degree programs,males, and those who have traveled more broadly display higher levels ofinternational knowledge.