Korean College Students Research Articles

Hierarchies and decision-making in groups: experimental evidence

While individual decision-making is a principal research area in theoretical and experimental economics, many decisions are actually made by groups, and not by individuals. In addition, groups are often characterized by hierarchical organizational structures, but little is known about their possible effects on outcomes in economic experiments. This exploratory study investigates differences in decision-making outcomes for individuals and groups under different hierarchies using data from an incentivized economic experiment using a sample of South Korean college students and Bayesian hypothesis testing, frequentist regression analysis, and analysis of predicted probabilities for “ideal types”. It compares the choices of groups of three in lottery choices and intellective tasks under five different hierarchy types: a group without hierarchy, a hierarchy by age, by merit, by chance, and by election. A within-subjects comparison of choices as individuals and as leaders allows to control for individual differences that might matter for choices beyond the hierarchy type. Regression results show that there are no differences in the number of safe choices between the different hierarchy types, but groups with a leader assigned based on merit perform better in intellective tasks, compared to leaders assigned based on a vote, age, or a random mechanism. These findings suggest that the type of hierarchy and its perceived legitimacy might matter for the quality of outcomes in intellective tasks, with no effects found for risk attitude.

Korean University Students’ Experiences and Beliefs about Medium of Instruction in English Speaking Classes

The purpose of this study is to further understand Korean university students’ perception of using English as a primary medium of instruction in English speaking classes, along with their beliefs about what language would prove the most beneficial as a medium of instruction. This study aims to present the beliefs that students hold about which language(s) should be employed and for what reasons, as well as whether these beliefs vary depending on the students’ language proficiency. This research was based on the responses given by students after having direct experience participating in English speaking classes taught in English. This study used a survey questionnaire as the primary source of data which contained multiple choice questions, a Likert-scale, and open-ended questions. Data was collected from a total of 135 predominantly first-year Korean university students who self-reported as being at the beginner and intermediate-levels. A combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics and a series of independent sample t-tests were used for the multiple choice questions and Likert-scale questions and content analysis applied to open-ended questions. Data analysis revealed that students had positive experiences in English speaking classes taught in English. The advantages of the English-only classes included the English-rich environment, improved familiarity with English, a positive emotional response, increased attentiveness to English, and most importantly, improvement in English proficiency. At the same time, students also reported difficulties in understanding lectures and instructions and in communicating with their teachers in English. They coped by using various strategies, such as machine translators and by asking their teachers questions. However, beginner-level students were more self-reliant while intermediate-level students used a balanced use of self-sufficiency and human resources. Regarding their beliefs about what language should be used as the medium of instruction, both beginner and intermediate students believed that English should remain the primary language used in class with a moderate use of L1 being suggested. Specifically, students agreed that L1 may provide benefits in academic, affective, and managerial domains. However, beginner-level students found using L1 to be more advantageous than intermediate-level students. The findings of this study suggest employing an English medium of instruction across varying English proficiency levels in English speaking classes and discusses various methods that might be considered by teachers when employing an English medium of instruction, one of which would be allowing for the use of the students’ L1 to a moderate extent under certain circumstances.

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Substance Use Among Korean College Students: Different by Gender?

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Substance Use Among Korean College Students: Different by Gender?

An Analysis of Reserch Trends on Gambling Addiction in College students

본 연구는 대학생의 도박중독 관련 연구 동향을 파악하여 대학생 대상 도박 관련 후속연구의 기초자료를 제시하고자 하였다. 이를 위해 1988년부터 2022년 6월까지 대학생 대상 도박중독을 주제어로 설정하여 학위논문과 학술논문 86편을 선정하였다. 자료 분석을 위해 게재 연도, 연구방법, 관련 변인 및 주제어 추출로 분류하였으며, 분석방법은 빈도분석과 워드클라우드 방법을 활용하여 최종 분석하였다. 본 연구의 결과는 다음과 같다. 대학생 도박중독 관련 연구는 1988년 처음 시작되어 2014년부터 2018년까지 평균 10편 이상이 꾸준히 연구된 추세를 보이다가 그 이후 다소 감소하고 있다. 또한 연구방법은 질적연구에 비해 양적연구가 유의하게 높은 빈도로 분석되었으며, 분석방법 측면으로는 회귀분석, 교차분석, 구조방정식 순으로 빈도가 높게 분류되었다. 마지막으로 관련 변인별 및 주제어 동향을 워드 클라우드 생성기로 추출한 결과, 도박행동, 도박중독, 도박신념, 도박문제, 스트레스, 건강위험행동과 자기효능감 등이 추출되었다. 이와 같은 결과를 바탕으로 대학생 도박중독 연구의 시사점과 연구 동향 및 실태 연구가 부족한 점을 고려한 후속 연구의 시사점을 제언하였다.The purpose of this study was to identify the research trends related to gambling addiction in Korean college students and to present basic data for follow-up research to related gambling in college students. For doing this 86 researches from 1998 to June, 2022, were analyzed. The research on gambling addiction of college students first started in 1988, and from 2014 to 2018, an average of 10 or more studies were steadily studied, but since then, there has been a slight decrease. The results of this study are as follows. In terms of research methods, it was found that quantitative research was significantly higher than qualitative research, regression analysis, cross analysis, and structural equations were the most frequent aspects of the method of analyzing the results. Keyword analysis results, words such as ‘gambling behavior’,‘gambling addiction’,‘gambling beliefs’, ‘gambling problems’,‘stress’,‘health risk behavior’, and ‘self-efficacy’ appeared often. Based on these results, the implications of the research on gambling addiction for college students, research trends, and the implications of follow-up studies considering the lack of research were suggested.

The Effect of Perceived Stress on Drinking Problem of Korean College Students: From the Perspective of Escape Theory

Background: This study examined how the perceived stress of college students leads to drinking problems based on the Escape Theory.Methods: A total of 485 college students were surveyed. A moderated mediation analysis was used to test the hypotheses.Results: Since no significant correlation was found between perceived stress and drinking problem, the dependent variable was replaced with problematic drinking, a sub-factor of drinking problem. Escape from self fully mediated the relationship between perceived stress and problematic drinking. The interaction of perceived stress and dysfunctional self-focus was correlated with escape from self. Coping motives to drinking strengthened the pathways from escape from self to problematic drinking.Conclusions: This study shows the need for therapeutic interventions to curb college students’ drinking problems. This study’s significance and limitations are also discussed.

Korean university students’ language performance in synchronous online text chats

The present study investigated the effects of task types on synchronous online text chats by Korean university students. A total of 26 students with low and intermediate oral proficiency participated in this study and performed a convergent and a divergent task in groups using the KakaoTalk mobile messaging app during English classes. The text chats were evaluated for complexity, fluency, and number of turn - taking. The results showed that when compared to divergent tasks, students used more words during convergent tasks, which require agreement to complete, and also employed more turn - taking through the use of interactional modifications. Nonetheless, there was almost no difference in fluency between the two tasks due to their duration for the task completion. Meanwhile, in the divergent task, students used more complex sentences, likely due to the use of mobile dictionaries. The limitations of the research as well as pedagogical implications are also mentioned.

대학생 진로결정수준과 진로만족의 관계에서 사회적지지의 매개효과

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of social support on the relationship between career decision level and career satisfaction of Korean college students. For this aim, 294 college students participated in this study and their career decision levels, career satisfaction, and social support were assessed. Collected data was analyzed with hierarchical multivariate analysis. Baron and Kenny(1986)’s mediation test procedure and Sobel test were employed to test mediational effect of social support. As results, there were significant and positive relationships among career decision level, social support, and career satisfaction. It means that high level of career decision level would be able to lead high level of career satisfaction as well as social support. Moreover, there was mediational effect of social support on the relationship between career decision level and career satisfaction. In sum, for promoting Korean college students’ career satisfaction, it would be important to emphasize increasing effective social support in addition to focus on their career decision level.

대학 읽기 수업에서 감정 리터러시와 비판적 리터러시 연계 수업 방안 연구

The purpose of this qualitative case study is to explore how Korean college students read in English in critical and emotional reading classes and how they feel and perceive the ways they did in class. The students read articles about gender roles and discussed the issues in the articles with emotional and critical discussion questions. The data resources include students' reflections, authentic materials they used for their presentations and the teacher's notes. Data analysis based on qualitative methods revealed that negative emotional expressions such as unjust, uncomfortable, sad, angry, depressed, miserable, and adversity were frequently reported. The students not only recognized prejudice and misunderstanding regarding each gender issue but also sympathized that gender roles should not be forced socially. They also became more active in discussing and presenting missing perspectives in the article that they read. The pedagogical implication of this study is that reading instruction based on emotions and criticality could be a good reading approach that helps students have a more balanced perspective on what they read, which further helps them transform into active readers.

Using Meaning Discovery Strategies to Comprehend Idioms and Single Words

Using vocabulary learning strategies allows learners to gain vocabulary autonomously. This study presents data from a self-report survey of Korean university students comparing meaning discovery strategies they employ to comprehend unknown singleword items and unknown idioms. Survey data recorded strategies used by learners, and effectiveness of these strategies measured by rates of correct meaning discovery. The survey revealed that learners relied on context clues, dictionaries, and vocabulary analysis for both idioms and single word vocabulary items with equal effectiveness. Dictionary use was the most effective strategy for correct meaning discovery for both types of vocabulary, although context clues might be a positive factor for idioms but not for single-word items. Data also showed that learners tended to apply strategies methodically rather than heuristically but that methodical application did not necessarily translate into higher rates of correct meaning discovery. Implications for learners and paths for further research are discussed.

Global Aspirations, Domestic Choices: South Korean Youth Pursuing Domestic Pathways

Contrary to past studies focusing on the global aspirations of students already studying abroad, our study seeks to explore whether and how academic elite Korean youth with little to no experience and plans to study abroad pursuing domestic pathways engage with globalization narratives as they negotiate their choices. Based on in-depth interviews with 17 Korean college students sampled from a larger survey, we found that they held strong aspirations for international credentials and global flexible lifestyles, which were unambiguously perceived as highly desirable. However, they still chose domestic pathways which were practical and offered increasing opportunities with Korea’s rapid development. Our interviewees’ global aspirations influenced their domestic pursuit of upward mobility and self-realization as they simultaneously sought ways to upgrade their credentials while reconstructing their career choice narratives to emulate the elusive but flexible lifestyles they imagined to belong to the developed world community.

A Study on South Korean College Students' Perceptions of Gratitude.

Humans feel happy when they experience positive emotions; gratitude is a significant inducer of positive emotions. This study investigates perceptions of gratitude among South Korean college students using the Q methodology, which enables the examination of individuals' subjectivity. We collected 227 statements from a Q population through literature reviews, paper reviews, interviews, and questionnaire surveys; from them statements, we selected 40 Q samples. The P samples included 46 college students at Dongguk University in Seoul, South Korea, and we performed data analysis with Principal Component Factor Analysis using the Quanl program. Using the results of this study, we classified gratitude into five types: Type 1 active gratitude through expression; Type 2 passive gratitude depending on conditions; Type 3 gratitude through relationships; Type 4 gratitude through internal satisfaction, and; Type 5 gratitude through materials. The results point to differences in experiences of gratitude that depend on conditions and environments, and by type. Researchers and administrators can use the results of this study to understand South Korean college students' perspectives and perceptions when planning and implementing gratitude programs that prioritize their happiness.

A Study on the Perception of Self-directed English Learning by Korean University Students Using YouTube

Objectives This study explored the experiences and perceptions of learners who use YouTube outside the classroom for self-directed English learning for Korean EFL university students. Methods We conducted a total of 155 Korean college students with an online survey from the first semester of 2021 to the first semester of 2022, and the questionnaire consisted of open-ended and closed-ended questions based on grounded theory. Results The findings indicated that 92.2% of Korean college students were willing to use YouTube videos for learning English. Participants wanted to improve their listening and speaking skills rather than their reading and writing skills through YouTube, and 64.5% spent less than 10 minutes a day learning English. The reasons why participants are satisfied with English learning through YouTube were found to be in three categories: “space for personal learning,” “social media efficiency,” and “indirect experiences.” On the other hand, they had difficulty in continuing to learn and showed a tendency not to regard it as a systematic learning material. Conclusions YouTube can be beneficial for learners’ self-directed English learning in that it includes various and practical materials anytime, anywhere, and free. To maximize this, learners should recognize that natural exposure to a second language environment through YouTube has a significant effect on improving English skills. In addition, learners must set clear goals and initiatives for a certain period to continue self-directed English learning.

A Fact-Finding Analysis on the Convenience Store Use of Korean University Students in Their 20s and Health Variables.

The Article Abstract is not available.

Application of the system theory framework to the career development of Korean university students

Application of the system theory framework to the career development of Korean university students

Insights into intercultural communication from a global citizenship framework: Voices of South Korean university students

ABSTRACT The aim of this phenomenological study was to explore South Korean university students’ views of the importance of intercultural communication. It also sought to obtain participant recommendations on how to improve awareness of intercultural communication in their personal lives, on campus, and in society. Intercultural communicative competence is becoming increasingly important as the world becomes more interconnected online and through intercultural exchanges that take place in a variety of capacities. This study was conducted during the spring semester of 2020 at a university in central South Korea. Participants included 14 South Korean university students who were enrolled in an intercultural communication class that was conducted online and designed for English language learners. Data comprised individual interviews, a focus group, and essays. Data analysis centred on examining commonalities and key statements made by participants. In terms of why it is important to study intercultural communication, results highlighted the need for people to be understanding and knowledgeable about diverse cultures, have respect for other people and cultures, and ensure that past intercultural conflict does not happen in the future. Students provided a wide range of recommendations for improving their awareness of intercultural communication. This paper concludes with practical implications.

Relationship of Exposure to Contradictory Information and Information Insufficiency to Decision-Making About HPV Vaccination Among South Korean College Women

In this study, we investigated how exposure to contradictory messages about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine affects female South Korean college students’ vaccination decisions. Specifically, we focused on the relationship between exposure to contradictory messages, current knowledge, and information insufficiency that may affect participants’ confusion and decision-making about vaccination. A percentile bootstrap method and pairwise comparison tests in structural equation modeling were employed. Exposure to contradictory messages significantly and negatively affected current knowledge of the HPV vaccine. Although current knowledge significantly and negatively affected confusion around the vaccine, information insufficiency failed to predict it. The vaccine confusion significantly and positively affected decisional conflicts, which, in turn, decreased the behavioral intentions to vaccinate. Additionally, the results showed how the participants’ altruistic orientations and perceived stigma moderated the associations among the variables. The findings have theoretical and practical implications for future research investigating the effects of vaccine-related information on young adult women’s decision-making about vaccination, particularly in cultural contexts where the HPV vaccine uptake rates are low.

A multidimensional construct of helicopter parenting and college students' game and social media addictive behaviors: A cross-cultural study in South Korea and China.

We explored latent classes of helicopter parenting among Korean and Chinese college students. In addition, we examined whether these latent classes of helicopter parenting are related to Korean and Chinese students' game and social media addictive behaviors. A three-step latent class analysis was conducted using 452 students from six universities in South Korea and 372 students from four universities in China. We identified four distinct helicopter parenting latent classes among the parents of Korean and Chinese students: weak, strong, academic management, and academic and schedule management. We also found that Korean students in the strong class reported significantly higher levels of game and social media addictive behaviors than those in the other three classes, but this did not hold for Chinese students. This finding indicates that the association between helicopter parenting and college students' game and social media addictive behaviors can be differentiated within Asian cultural contexts.

East Asian cultural values and life satisfaction among Korean college students: The moderating effects of gender.

East Asian cultural values and life satisfaction among Korean college students: The moderating effects of gender.

Korean College Students’ Perceptions of Gender-Biased and Gender-Neutral Terms

Korean College Students’ Perceptions of Gender-Biased and Gender-Neutral Terms

베트남전쟁 파병에 대한 한국 대학생의 인식 - ‘파월장병 대학생 위문단’의 베트남 체험을 중심으로

The government of President Park Chung-hee, which dispatched the Korean Forces to the Vietnam War, organized and dispatched ‘University Student Consolation Corps for the Korean Forces’ to Vietnam from 1966 to 1969. The University Student Consolation Corps for the Korean Forces had the main purpose of promoting the legitimacy and achievements of the Vietnam War dispatch and the Park Chung-hee government’s national modernization project. Through this, the Park Chung-hee government tried to prevent the university community from arguing against dispatching the Korean Forces to the Vietnam War and to tame the university students who had threatened the very existence of the regime. In the late 1960s, e University Student Consolation Corps for the Korean Forces continuously conveyed their experiences to the university community through various records. Looking at the contents, there were many parts that acknowledged the legitimacy and achievements of the Vietnam War dispatch and the national modernization project. However, The University Student Consolation Corps for the Korean Forces caused various noises in its organization and activity process. As time went on, the university community’s interest in the University Student Consolation Corps for the Korean Forces decreased. Even in their records, several cracks continued to be made against the intentions of the Park Chung-hee government. Vietnam, a space of ‘Hot War’, directly experienced by the University Student Consolation Corps for the Korean Forces, clearly revealed the cracks by visualizing parts that are seen as ‘abnormality’ or ‘impairment’ that are difficult for Koreans to easily understand. In the midst of the conflict between acclimation and cracks, Korean university students did not voice their opposition to the Korean Forces dispatch throughout the Vietnam War, but neither did they actively support it.