The Mexican American in Higher Education: An Example of Subtle Stereotyping

This article focuses on four major weaknesses that are prevalent in behavioral science articles on Mexican Americans: (a) overgeneralization from a small subgroup to the total Mexican-American population; (b) misuse and misinterpretation of data; (c) adherence to a culture-blame syndrome; and (d) inappropriate treatment suggestions. In order to facilitate discussion, examples are drawn from an article published recently in the Personnel and Guidance Journal. Suggestions for improving counseling research and practice relative to Mexican Americans and other minorities are presented.