Evidence of Analytic Versus Holistic Thinking in Viewing Magazine Images: Preliminary Findings

Abstract

A qualitative cross-cultural comparison of native Japanese and Caucasian American women was used to examine whether the women critically processed magazine images differently. Four focus groups were used to generate data (n = 19). The data analysis revealed that the native Japanese women viewed magazine images holistically, whereas the Caucasian American participants processed images of fashion analytically. Implications of differences are discussed with analytic versus holistic thinking and traditional beauty ideals in Japanese and Caucasian American cultures.

Keywords:

• Analytic and Holistic Thinking
• Culture
• Magazine Images

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Anna R. Herrman

Anna R. Herrman (PhD, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, 2013) is a visiting assistant professor at St. Norbert College, Routing #16-3a, De Pere, WI 54115. Email: [email protected].

Kikuko Omori

Kikuko Omori (MA, University of Kansas, 2009) is a PhD student in the Department of Communication, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Johnston Hall, P.O. Box 413, Milwaukee, WI 53201. E-mail: [email protected].

Jenna McNallie

Jenna McNallie (MA, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, 2011) is a PhD student in the Department of Communication, Brian Lamb School of Communication, Purdue University, Beering Hall of Liberal Arts and Education Room 2114, 100 N. University Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907. E-mail: [email protected].

Mike Allen

Mike Allen (PhD, Michigan State University, 1987) is a professor in the Department of Communication, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Johnston Hall, P.O. Box 413, Milwaukee, WI 53201. E-mail: [email protected]