The PI seeks to investigate culture-based reactions of Native Americans to technological innovations. The argument, well based on fact, is that Native Americans have not adapted to our highly technological society as have other citizens of this country. The question is, Why not? The investigator will also examine whether cultural and social differences among tribes help account for differences between them in their success at integrating technology into existing ways of life. Another important question is why some technologies fit Native American cultures while others do not. In this planning grant the investigator will conduct a thorough literature review, discuss the proposed research with selected Native American community leaders and scientists, and conduct a pilot project based on questionaires to test attitudes towards technology.
