A culture assimilator is a collection of anecdotes concerning interaction of persons from different cultures in which there is opportunity for misinterpretation of the nature of the interaction of the explanation of the behavior of persons in the anecdote. Trainees are asked to read such anecdotes, and asked to consider potential explanations for the behavior at issue, after which information is given whereby the trainee can both evaluate his understanding of the situation, and be taught appropriate explanations. Two formats for structuring training in cultural assimilators were investigated. The first, a branching format, requires subjects to choose the best of four explanations. If he is correct, the basis for the correctness is expanded upon, and the trainee continues to another anecdote. If he is incorrect, the reason behind the incorrectness of the choice is given, and another choice required, continuing until the correct choice is made. The second format, called linear, requires each trainee to rate each alternative explanation of the behavior at issue in the anecdote on its correctness, after which the degree to which each is correct is explained before the trainee continues to the next anecdote. The contrast between linear and branching formats was the greatest when difficult anecdotes were examined. Unexpected effects of different sequences of linear and branching format training were discussed. (Author/JM)