Previous research suggests asynchronous online computer-mediated communication (CMC) has deleterious effects on certain cooperative learning pedagogies (e.g., constructive controversy), but the processes underlying this effect and how it may be ameliorated remain unclear. This study tests whether asynchronous CMC thwarts belongingness needs…

A survey of medical, law, and chemistry and psychology graduate students' perceived stresses (academic activities, personal relationships, time pressures, and financial concerns) contradicted the expectation that medical students' stress level would be highest. Time restrictions and economic and academic issues produced the highest stress. (MSE)