Perceptions of elementary school students in selected schools of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota toward the world, China, India, and Nigeria are investigated. The study includes a review of related literature, a review of existing research on children's attitudes toward American and other nations, and recording and interpreting approximately 300 children's perceptions by means of a survey. The investigators arbitrarily selected four words that are currently included in the elementary school curricula--the world, China, India, and Nigeria--to be listed on the survey sheet. This sheet is an open-ended type of questionnaire which leaves space for the student's verbal or written response. The investigators chose responses which were typical of the various grade levels and wrote an interpretation of the various perceptions of the children. Among the conclusions the investigators found that children do appear to increase in objective understanding of others as they move into the intermediate grades, but that they do exhibit stereotyped images throughout every grade level. The report contains six recommendations for consideration by educators that deal with recognition of students' stereotyped images and development of course materials to increase student appreciation of cultural diversity. A bibliography is included. (Author/DB)