Similarities‐Dissimilarities Among Students

Abstract

Students in seven of the most widely offered college majors in home economics were studied for distinctive characteristics. Using multiple regression analysis, five sets of variables were analyzed. These included family background, high school experiences, college experiences, significant other influences on choice of major, and reasons for choosing the major. Data were obtained from a sample of 2,612 home economics students attending land‐grant uni versities throughout the South. The majors in which these students were enrolled included general home economics, interior design, textiles, family and child development, foods and nutrition, home economics education, and fashion design. The findings revealed considerable similarity among home economics students generally. Yet there were significant dissimi larities that characterized students in specific majors. These differences were presented as separate profiles for students in each major. Overall, students in home economics education and general home economics were most dissimilar and those in textiles least dissimilar. Reasons for choosing one's major explained the largest amount of variance and were espe cially important in distinguishing family and child development majors.