An assessment of reading compliance decisions among undergraduate students

Main Article Content

Amit Sharma
Bert Van Hoof
Barton Pursel

Abstract

Research suggests that reading compliance among undergraduate students is low. This study assessed the factors that influence students’ decisions to comply with their assigned course readings using two theoretical underpinnings: students’ ability to self-ration time and construal effects on their decision process. Data collected through focus group discussions with undergraduate students and analyzed using qualitative methods suggested that both these behavioral economics theories may provide valuable insight into students’ decision-making behavior related to reading compliance. The study found that students’ decisions to read are influenced by both personal and external factors, several of which pertain to their instructors. Students also admitted that lack of time and their inability to self-ration time towards reading tasks negatively impact their reading compliance behavior. The study found evidence of construal effects in the students’ understanding of the potential benefits of reading compliance, given that several of these benefits would occur beyond their immediate future. The conceptual mapping of the results offers several propositions for future research.

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How to Cite
Sharma, A., Van Hoof, B., & Pursel, B. (2013). An assessment of reading compliance decisions among undergraduate students. Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 13(4), 103–125. Retrieved from https://scholarworks.iu.edu/journals/index.php/josotl/article/view/3442
Section
Articles
Author Biography

Barton Pursel

Bart works at the Pennsylvania State University within the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence. In Bart's current role, he consults with faculty on instructional technology pedagogy and conducts undergraduate and instructional research to support undergraduate education across the Penn State system.

Past experiences include teaching undergraduate courses, designing online and blended courses, creating database web applications and multimedia, consulting with industry and presenting at a variety of conferences and events.

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