THE ROLE OF SELF- PROTECTION IN UNDERGRADUATE ACHIEVEMENT By Carlos Moreno Dr. Scott Roberts & Dr. Charles Stangor Mentors
Dec 14, 2015
THE ROLE OF SELF-PROTECTION INUNDERGRADUATE ACHIEVEMENT
By Carlos Moreno
Dr. Scott Roberts & Dr. Charles Stangor Mentors
Improvements and Innovations Overall Performance
Course Content Critical Thinking Communication Skills
Key Variables: Demographics Expectations Perception of learning experiences
Purpose?
We can’t?!
“High school graduates from low- and moderate-income families are much less likely than those from higher-income families to enroll in college, and the gaps in completion rates are even larger. Unfortunately, this very real problem has led some observers to the unwarranted conclusion that people who do not have strong academic preparation, who do not have the required financial resources, or who are unfamiliar with the expectations and requirements of colleges and universities should not pursue postsecondary education” (College Board, 2010; p.8).
Why is it important?
Individual Approach to the Problem! Cognitive Processes Self-Protection Goal Orientation Expectation
Background
Goal Orientation: Ego Orientation
Outperforming others Task Orientation
Great effort during task
Mutually Exclusive?
Source: Martin et al., 2003.; Norem and Cantor, 1986a, 1986b; Norem, 2000.
Ability v. Self Worth
Self-Worth Motivation Theory Martin V. Covington
Ability = Self-WorthLow ability reduces self-worth
Protect!Source: Convington, 1992
Self-Protecting Strategy
Defensive Pessimism Low Expectations Coping with Anxiety
Successful Performance
Goal Orientation Ego-Orientated & Task Orientated – Ability is
important!
Source: Martin et al., 2003.; Norem and Cantor, 1986a, 1986b; Norem, 2000.
Low Expectations?
Self-Fulfilling Prophecy Robert Merton – 20th Century Sociologist
What Happens? Individuals’ expectations alter actions
Fulfilling the expectations!
Source: Robert Merton, 1949
Purpose of Study
Investigate the defensive strategy of students Defensive Pessimism vs. Self-Fulfilling
Prophecy Key Characteristics:
Demographics: Asian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander Black or African American White (non-Hispanic) Hispanic*
Mexican or Mexican American Puerto Rican Other Latino or Hispanic
Main Question
Main Question How do defensive pessimism styles and
behaviors effect Hispanic and Blacks or African Americans students compared to Whites, and Asians, Asian Americans, or Pacific Islanders?
Hypothesis
Blacks or African Americans and Hispanics have higher levels of defensive pessimism than Whites and Asians, Asian Americans, or Pacific Islanders that negatively affect their academic performance.
Sample
Census/Convenience Sample (N=1086) Four Psychology Courses
Characteristic of the sample Race/Ethnicity Socioeconomic status Current GPA Expected Grade
Psychology Courses
PSYC100 Introduction to Psychology- A basic introductory course, intended to bring the student into contact with the major problems confronting psychology and the more important attempts at their solution
PSYC200 Statistical Methods in Psychology- A basic introduction to quantitative methods used in psychological research
PSYC221 Social Psychology- The influence of social factors on the individual and on interpersonal behavior. Includes topics such as conformity, attitude change, person perception, interpersonal attraction, and group behavior
PSYC300 Research Methods in Psychology Laboratory- A general introduction and overview to the fundamental theoretical, conceptual, and practical issues in psychological research in both the laboratory and the field
Instrumentation and Data Collection Beginning of Semester Survey, Spring 2012 Mid-semester Survey, Spring 2012
Sample Questions: What is your racial or ethnic Identification?
1) American Indian or other Native American 2) Asian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander 3) Black or African American 4) White (non-Hispanic) 5) Mexican or Mexican American 6) Puerto Rican 7) Other Hispanic or Latino/a 8) Multiracial 9) Other 10) I prefer not to respond
Key Questions to Determine Defensive Pessimism or Other Predictions
2012 Mid-semester survey: Students from PSYC 100, 200, 221, 300
What is your Current GPA?1. D2. C-3. C4. C+5. B-6. B7. B+8. A-9. A10.A+
What do you expect to receive in the class?1. D2. C-3. C4. C+5. B-6. B7. B+8. A-9. A10.A+
Expectation Type: Mean Difference
(Expectation Type: Expected Grade - Current GPA).
Pessimistic
Optimistic
Realistic
Expectation Type: Mean Difference By Ethnicity/ Race Background
Mean Difference Between Expected Grade and Current GPA by Ethnicity/Race (Expectation Type: Pessimistic, Realistic, Optimistic)
Type of Student
Distribution for mean difference expectation ( Expected Grade & Current GPA) by type of student.
Pessimistic
Optimisti
c
Type of Student
Distribution for mean difference expectation ( Expected Grade & Current GPA) by type of student.
Pessimistic
Optimisti
c
Conclusion
Hispanics and Blacks or African Americans Highest Expectations Lowest GPA
Whites and Asians, Asian Americans, or Pacific Islanders Lowest Expectations Highest GPA
Future
• Defensive Strategy by Socioeconomic Status
• Final Grades• Defensive Pessimism vs. Self-Fulfilling Prophecy?
Acknowledgements
Mentors Dr. Scott Roberts Dr. Charles Stangor
McNair Administrators and Faculty Dr. Terri Wright Sachi Edwards Dr. Bullock Dr. Lewis Mary Campton
McNair Scholars!AP - Miji Um
References
College Board. (2010). Education Pays: The Benefits of Higher Education for Individuals and Society. Retrieved June 12, 2012, from http://trends.collegeboard.org/downloads/Education_Pays_2010.pdf
Covington, M. V. (1992). Making the grade: A self-worth perspective on motivation and school reform. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Duda, J. L., & Nicholls, J. G. (1992). Dimensions of achievement motivation in schoolwork and sport.
Journal Of Educational Psychology, 84(3), 290-299.
Dweck, C. S., & Leggett, E. L. (1988). A social-cognitive approach to motivation and personality. Psychological Review, 95(2), 256-273.
Martin, A. J., Marsh, H. W., Williamson, A., & Debus, R. L. (2003). Self-handicapping, defensive pessimism, and goal orientation: A qualitative study of university students. Journal Of Educational Psychology, 95(3), 617-628.
National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education. (2012). Postsecondary Graduation Rates. Retrieved June 1, 2012, from the National Center for Education Statistics Web site: http://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator_pgr.asp#info
National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education. (2010). Status and Trends in the Education of Racial and Ethnic Groups. Retrieved May 21, 2012, from the National Center for Education Statistics Web site: http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2010/2010015/indicator6_24.asp
Norem, J.K. (2001). DEFENSIVE PESSIMISM, OPTIMISM, AND PESSIMISM. In E.C. Chang (Ed.) Optimism & pessimism: Implications for theory, research, and practice (pp. 77-100). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Norem, J. K., & Cantor, N. (1986a). Anticipatory and post hoc cushioning strategies: Optimism and defensive pessimism in “risky” situations. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 10, 3, 347-362.
Norem, J. K., & Cantor, N. (1986b). Defensive pessimism: Harnessing anxiety as motivation. Journal Of Personality And Social Psychology, 51(6), 1208-1217.
Richardson, M., Abraham, C., & Bond, R. (January 01, 2012). Psychological correlates of university students' academic performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 138, 2, 353-87.
White, J., & Lowenthal, P. R. (2011). Minority college students and tacit 'codes of power': Developing academic discourses and identities. Review Of Higher Education: Journal Of The Association For The Study Of Higher Education, 34(2), 283-318.
References
Shultziner, D., & Rabinovici, I. (2012). Human dignity, self-worth, and humiliation: A comparative legal–psychological approach. Psychology, Public Policy, And Law, 18(1), 105-143
U.S. Census Bureau. (2012). The 2012 Statistical Abstract: Income, Expenditures, Poverty, and Wealth. 431-470. Retrieved May 18, 2012, from http://www.census.gov/prod/2011pubs/12statab/income.pdf
U.S. Census Bureau. (2011). Hispanic Heritage Month 2011: Sept. 15 - Oct. 15. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/cb11-ff18.html
U.S. Census Stats
U.S. Census Bureau. (2012). The 2012 Statistical Abstract: Income, Expenditures, Poverty, and Wealth. 431-470. Retrieved May 18, 2012, from http://www.census.gov/prod/2011pubs/12statab/income.pdf
College Board
Academic Achievement by Race/ Ethnicity Enrollment Retention Rates Graduation Rates
Found: College Board. (2010). Education Pays: The Benefits of Higher Education for Individuals and Society. Retrieved June 12, 2012, from http://trends.collegeboard.org/downloads/Education_Pays_2010.pdf
http://trends.collegeboard.org/downloads/Education_Pays_2010.pdf
Self-Esteem
Self-Esteem Literature Schmader, T., Major, B., & Gramzow, R. H.
(January 01, 2001). Coping with Ethnic Stereotypes in the Academic Domain: Perceived Injustice and Psychological Disengagement. Journal of Social Issues, 57, 1, 93-111.
Latinos/as and Blacks or African Americans - negatively stereotype Self-esteem is on average equal or higher than
Whites
Expectation
Where is the base line? Current GPA
Positive: Optimistic Zero: Realistic Negative: Pessimistic
Only expectation = There is not form to give a numerical representation
Then everyone would be optimistic
Why?
Students should achieve there full potential
GPA – Value of 7 (Base line) Expectation – Value of 6 or 5 Values of 6 is higher than 5 but they are
both pessimistic
Optimism
Strategic Optimism Offers an informative contrast to defensive pessimism
Definition: Individual who set high expectations; avoid thinking about negative outcomes; refers as “positive illusions”
Source: Norem, J.K. (2001). DEFENSIVE PESSIMISM, OPTIMISM, AND PESSIMISM. In E.C. Chang (Ed.) Optimism & pessimism: Implications for theory, research, and practice (pp. 77-100). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.