3.3 Cautionary Tales — Looff

In this activity you will review examples of Appalachian regional research projects that have been influenced by over-generalization and over-simplification of the region and its inhabitants. Read the PDF below and respond to synopses of this research. Activity three is based on Looff, David. Appalachian Children: The Challenge of Mental Health. Lexington: University Press of Kentucky, 1971.

When you are done answer the questions below.

1. What assumptions does Looff make about Appalachian people and culture?
2. Do you see evidence of stereotypes in this perception?
3. Does this limit the effectiveness of his research? If yes, how so? If no, why not?
4. What pitfalls, if any, do you see in Looff’s research methodology?
5. Evaluate the validity of Looff’s conclusions. How could this project have been more effective?