The Quality of Experience of Asian American Adolescents in Academic Activities: An Exploration of Educational Achievement

Abstract

This study explores the reasons for high academic achievements of Asian Americans by comparing the quality of experience of Asian and Caucasian American adolescents. The Experience Sampling Method (ESM) was used to record subjective experiences. The participants were 33 Asian American students and 33 Caucasian American students in the 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th grades. The ESM activity analyses showed that these 2 groups did not differ in the percentage of time they spent on homework and study over 1 week. However, when studying, Asian Americans reported relatively more positive experiences than Caucasian Americans. Moreover, when studying, Asian American adolescents enjoyed what they were doing significantly more in addition to perceiving the importance of what they were doing to attain their future goals. Positive experiences and motivational states characterized by high momentary enjoyment and high importance to future goals when engaged in academic activities are suggested as significant factors for pro...