The purpose of the study was to develop cultural models that describe dental care practices among the primary ethnic cultures of the Southwest. The pilot study sample, of Mexican Americans and Anglo Americans, was obtained through the Las Cruces Schools. Sampling was stratified random sampling using elementary school (grades 1-6) records. Initial…

Demonstrates how structural equation modeling can be used to translate a verbal theory into a mathematical model that can be estimated and tested, and from which inferences can be drawn. Data used was taken from a previous study of the effects of family socialization on the formation of achievement values and self-concept. (Author/RH)