Research suggests that students who fear failure are likely to utilize cognitive strategies such as self-handicapping that serve to perpetuate failure. Such devastating motivational dispositions clearly limit academic success. The present study examined negative emotional responses to scenarios involving academic failure among a sample of…

Using longitudinal student data from 15 four-year (n = 3,072) and 13 (n = 788) two-year postsecondary institutions, the authors tested the effects of interest-major congruence, motivation, and 1st-year academic performance on timely degree completion. Findings suggest that interest-major congruence has a direct effect on timely degree completion…

Over the past two decades there has been increasing movement toward the use of computers and the internet in conjunction with many courses across the educational spectrum. In addition to having consequences for course delivery, both inside and outside of the classroom, this movement has had an impact on the coursework that is required of students.…

Attitudes toward science may develop as early as middle school and often differ between genders. Do these gender-based differences in attitude persist into the college years? In a survey of 376 university students, male students reported a stronger self-concept, more motivation, and more enjoyment of science than did female students, and female…

On the first day of classes, most students in introductory biology courses (a) believe that their effort is the most accurate predictor of their academic success, and (b) are confident that they will work hard and earn high grades. Despite their optimism, many students do not follow through on their expectations, and their grades drop accordingly.…