ABSTRACT
To understand the relationship between social interdependence and ethnic relationships, theory, research and practice are all needed. For the past twenty years we have formulated a basic theoretical model of crossethnic relationships, conducted a series of controlled experimental studies to validate the theory, and applied the results in schools throughout North America, Europe and other countries. We have attempted to follow a process of theorizing to summarize and guide research on social interdependence, conducting research to validate or disconfirm the theory, and applying cooperative learning in classrooms and schools to reveal inadequacies that, in turn, lead to refinement of the theory, a new set of research studies and additional fine-tuning of cooperative learning.
