Learning goals and level of individualism among undergraduate students

Abstract

ABSTRACT Academic achievements are an important foundation for social mobility. Therefore, it is important to understand disparities between majority and minority groups in terms of such achievements. The present study was conducted in Israel, where previous research found differences between students from the Jewish majority and students from the Arab minority. Previous findings indicated that such gaps between groups were associated with learning goals and factors that the students indicated as reasons for choosing to study. The present research examined the relationships between these disparities and cultural differences found between the groups in previous research in individualism and collectivism. The sample consisted of 168 students (84 Arabic-speakers and 84 of Hebrew-speakers). Their levels of individualism and collectivism and their learning goals were measured when they began studying and their grades were collected later. In addition, parents’ education and some cognitive abilities were examined to establish that these variables did not explain the differences between groups. The findings indicate a significant difference between groups in final grades and in the interaction between level of individualism, learning goals, and final grades.