Perceptions of the Visually Impaired Toward Pursuing Geography Courses and Majors in Higher Education

Abstract

Advances in classroom technology have lowered barriers for the visually impaired to study geography, yet few participate. Employing stereotype threat theory, we examined whether beliefs held by the visually impaired affect perceptions toward completing courses and majors in visually oriented disciplines. A test group received a low-level threat message that responses would be compared to sighted students, while a control group did not. Statistically significant differences were observed between the groups for the set of visual disciplines. Results indicated that threat messages did seem to influence participants’ perceptions; however, additional research is necessary.