What Affects Intellectual Courage in the Classroom: An Experimental Study

• In Event: 2322 - Activities and Techniques Poster Session

Abstract

Using an experimental study design and an effective sample size of 1,251 college students ages 18-22, this study provides a profile of intellectual courage and then tests the hypothesis that educational inputs and background factors shape intellectual courage. The sample was divided into two groups, a treatment group and a control group. The treatment group viewed an information film about a current world refugee crisis, while the control group did not. Both groups received the same survey instrument. The index measure of intellectual courage was constructed from a series of five related items. Overall, we find that the education does positively affect intellectual courage.

Author

• Loretta Bass, University of Oklahoma