Acculturation patterns of immigrants into American society have been examined through various disciplinary perspectives--anthropology, sociology, psychology, psychiatry, and, more recently, communications. Although acculturation is defined somewhat differently by different disciplines, it can be generally interpreted as the overall process of change that occurs as an immigrant engages in continuous first-hand contact with a new socio-cultural system. Review of literature on acculturation from the 1930s to the 1970s indicates that the multi-disciplinary approach has contributed richness and flexibility to the research. It has also, however, resulted in confusion based on noncomplementary viewpoints of the various disciplines. These conflicting views are the result of numerous factors including different definitions and conceptualizations of acculturation, ideologically-based conflicts, and disciplinary limitations. Acculturation scholars will improve their research if they make a concerted effort to synthesize the diverse perspectives and develop a unified comprehensive theory of acculturation. (Author/DB)