Differences in Academic Risk-Taking Behaviors by College Major

• In Event: Roundtable Session 30
  In Roundtable Session: Pathways and Academic Experiences

Abstract

Academic risk taking is a motivational strategy where students choose to engage in more difficult, challenging work in order to reap greater personal benefits from the learning environment, despite potential risk for lower external success markers, such as grades. In this study, a sample (N=355) of college students’ academic risk taking behaviors were measured on three components, Affect Related to Failure, Preferred Difficulty, and Actions of Risk Taking Engagement. Students from eight different college major categories were then compared in terms of each component of academic risk taking. Results indicate significant difference by major on each component. Results are discussed in terms of implications for fostering creativity and problem solving in different academic fields in the college classroom.

Authors

• Sara A. Abercrombie, Northern Arizona University

• Hyeyoung Bang, Bowling Green State University