South Korean College Students Research Articles

A Meta-Analysis on the Effectiveness of Gratitude Promotion Programs for South Korean College Students.

This study delves into the importance and consequences of gratitude promotion programs for South Korean college students. It uses meta-analyses to evaluate the effects of such programs on this demographic, shedding light on their significance and implications. To that end, we selected 11 papers in which 683 persons participated as study subjects, analyzing them using the PRISMA methodology. We observed an overall effect size of 0.6671, categorized as above medium. The effect sizes of the sub-areas were cognitive (d = 1.37), emotional (d = 0.60), and behavioral (d = 0.77), with the cognitive area exhibiting the largest effect size. When categorized by program type, the effect size (d = 0.85) for the program involving gratitude practice and gratitude recording surpassed the effect size (d = 0.77) of the programs where participants solely engaged in gratitude recording. According to program execution durations, the largest effect size (d = 1.61) appeared in the group that executed the program for the longest period of at least 16 weeks. This study highlights the areas where gratitude promotion programs for college students prove to be most effective. These findings offer valuable insights for tailoring and developing gratitude promotion programs in the future.

Serial mediation effects of ubiquity and notification on the relationship between habitual social media checking behaviors and self-control failures

This study investigated the correlation between habitual checking behavior and self-control failure during social media use among South Korean university students. The study also examined how the ubiquity of and immediate responses to social media notifications affect this relationship, both independently and serially. An online survey was conducted with 400 undergraduate students at South Korean universities. The findings indicate a significant positive relationship between habitual checking behaviors and self-control failure in South Korean university students’ social media use. Ubiquity mediated habitual checking behaviors and self-control failure; ubiquity and immediate responses to notifications mediated the relationship between habitual checking behavior and self-control failure; and ubiquity and immediate responses to notifications serially mediated the relationship between habitual checking behavior and self-control failure. The results highlight the social media use challenges of university students and the factors that contribute to self-control failure in this context.

The impact of context cues on college students' purchase behavior for low-carbon products in CBEC.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of online shopping context cues (price discount, carbon label, and social commentary) on college students' trust/perceived risk and cross-border purchase intention (CBPI) for low-carbon products and compare the study between South Korean and Chinese college students. The theoretical framework is established by integrating the S-O-R model and valence framework. The variable of stimuli (S) is the driving force in the purchase behavior that influences the individual organism (O) and its subsequent response (R). Based on this logic, this study draws on the valence framework to hypothesize the effects of online shopping context cues (price discount, carbon label, and social commentary) on college students' trust/perceived risk and cross-border purchase intention (CBPI) for low-carbon products. This study conducted two online experiment-questionnaire studies and one between-subject lab experiment to test the hypotheses. We found that all three context cues have significant positive effects on trust and negative effects on perceived risk. College students' trust positively and perceived risk negatively impact college students' CBPI for low-carbon products. In addition, based on different cultures, languages, and education, this study investigates the moderating effect of college students' nationality on their significantly different cue processing modes for low-carbon products. The findings provide new insights into better understanding the factors affecting college students' low-carbon consumption behavior in a CBEC setting and have some practical implications.

Do cultural values influence how we perceive the police? Examining the cultural impact of Confucian values on the perception of police legitimacy

PurposeThis study aimed to expand the normative model of police legitimacy literature by assessing the impact of cultural values and their role as a driver of the perception of legitimacy. Specifically, the current study assessed cultural values like Confucianism and their impact on the perception of police legitimacy.Design/methodology/approachThe current study used convenience sampling of South Korean university students from all seven metropolises. A perception survey regarding their perception of the legitimacy of Korean police was asked via a six-point scale. For statistical analysis, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to assess the hypotheses.FindingsThe authors' results indicate that Confucian values like social hierarchy and social harmony impacted various stages of police legitimacy. In particular, Confucian values significantly impacted procedural justice, the obligation to obey and cooperation. However, it failed to predict legitimacy in any capacity.Originality/valueFirst, by assessing Confucian values and their impact on police legitimacy, the current study aimed to expand the police legitimacy literature. Second, police legitimacy research in non-Western settings is still lacking and has not reached a consensus regarding the primary driver of legitimacy. Furthermore, South Korea in particular is still at an infant stage regarding police legitimacy research. The current study aimed to add to the literature by examining police legitimacy in the Korean context.

Experiences and Perspectives of College Students With Disabilities Toward Integrated Physical Education in South Korea

The purpose of the study was to analyze South Korean college students with disabilities’ recollections about their experiences in segregated (self-contained) special education classes and integrated physical education classes during elementary, middle, and/or high school in South Korea. The research design was retrospective multiple-case study. The participants were five South Korean college students matriculating at a university in South Korea. The primary data sources were semistructured interviews and researcher’s journal entries. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and exposed four interrelated themes, which were (a) isolated, (b) felt not supported, (c) segregated from peers, and (d) felt relieved and safe. Overall, the findings exposed challenges the participants all had experienced in integrated physical education classes, including feeling isolated and excluded from meaningful participation in class activities. In contrast, they reflected on their experiences in the segregated (self-contained) special education classes with a sense of belonging and acceptance.

オンライン授業による日本語作文にみられる誤用例研究― 韓国の大学生を中心にして ―

オンライン授業による日本語作文にみられる誤用例研究― 韓国の大学生を中心にして ―

Machine translation in language acquisition: A study on EFL students' perceptions and practices in Saudi Arabia and South Korea

AbstractBackgroundLanguage learners are taking advantage of the increased accuracy afforded by machine translation (MT) tools like Google Translate. There is a growing debate as to whether these tools support or hinder English as a foreign language (EFL) education. Some EFL students are drawn to MT tools to save time and energy when communicating, but how this use relates to second language acquisition needs to be clarified.ObjectiveThis study investigated the perceptions and practices of MT tools among university EFL students in Saudi Arabia and South Korea.MethodsThe study surveyed Saudi (n = 310) and South Korean (n = 160) university students to explore the use of MT tools in EFL learning. It used mean scores, correlation analysis, and structural equation modelling to understand the perceived benefits and limitations of MT tools and their influence on the use of translation websites. The findings were triangulated using content analysis of open‐ended items.Results and ConclusionFindings indicate students showed a high level of acceptance and utilization of MT tools. English avoidance behaviour (B = 0.43), benefits (B = 0.32), and foreign language proficiency (B = −0.19) predicted 61% of actual use of MT tools like Google Translate. Further, students frequently used MT tools despite the reported concerns about accuracy mistakes. Saudi students listed a more comprehensive array of why they use MT tools than Korean students, while Saudis and Koreans frequently used MT tools for individual word and sentence translations.ImplicationsStudents should edit MT output when writing and are encouraged to use the voice recording and other functions of MT tools to learn language skills. Instructors must prevent overuse and dependency on MT tools, especially among low‐proficiency students who want to avoid using English.

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.

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.

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.

Problematising students’ agency in the internationalisation of higher education

ABSTRACT From a critical ecological linguistic perspective, this paper argues that South Korean English-language-policies are constraining students’ agency. Since the millennium, as a legacy of neoliberalism universities of non-English-first-language contexts have implemented EMI (English-Medium Instruction) courses top-down to further internationalise. Faced with a declining birth rate, South Korea has been no exception to this trend; nevertheless, this ‘dominant policy path’ has disregarded the linguistic challenges of students. These challenges are exacerbated by recent changes made to the English section of the University entrance examination which constrain students’ linguistic capital. Gidden’s Structuration Theory and Bourdieu’s notion of habitus are used to problematise South Korean university students’ agency within their structured-English-learning ecologies. In analysis, I use a constructivist approach enabling a theory of Situated Linguistic Capital to emerge. This theory conceptualises a dynamic between trust and linguistic capital which has been shaped by the past and which affects future affordances. Accounts of English educational experiences, collected from ten South Korean university students, are used to exemplify the theory. I conclude by arguing that conducting a needs analysis with students and EMI content instructors, to understand existing power relations, will encourage moves towards bottom-up, socially just directions in future South Korean English-language-policies. (198)

Impact of COVID-19 Fear on COVID-19 Policy Support Among University Students in South Korea.

Objective: As the fourth wave of COVID-19 spread in South Korea in 2022, society experienced various adverse effects, including COVID-19 phobia, depression, and loneliness. Addressing these factors became a vital part of the anti-COVID-19 individual and public mental health efforts, conducted partly by fostering COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and compliance with public prevention practice guidelines under the controversial policy of living "with COVID-19". Method: The study used a cross-sectional online survey-based design. Participants comprised a convenience sample of Korean university students (n = 460). A survey was distributed to the participants to measure their agreement/disagreement with the policy "with COVID-19" and a structural equation model and path analysis to examine the impact of the latent variables of COVID-19 phobia and COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and practice as of April 2022. Results: The mean COVID-19 phobia score was 48.13/100, with psychological and social phobia scores higher than in previous studies, while psychosomatic and economic phobia scores were lower than in previous research. Higher psychological phobia significantly increased COVID-19 practices and attitudes. Conversely, higher psychosomatic phobia decreased practices and attitudes. Moreover, higher psychological phobia was significantly associated with disagreement with the policy. Conclusion: The results suggest that efforts to increase South Korean university students' acceptance of easing COVID-19 restrictions should focus on mitigating psychological phobia.

Verifying the usefulness of the theory of planned behavior model for predicting illegal use of online content: the role of outcome expectancies and social loafing

BackgroundCurrently, laypeople can earn profit by producing content; therefore, it should be noted that the unauthorized use of intellectual creations or possessions can cause legal issues and undermine the producers’ desire to create. This study verified the usefulness of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) model for predicting the illegal use of online content among South Korean college students and examined the roles played by outcome expectancies and social loafing in this model.MethodsThe participants, 369 male and female Korean college students, were aged between 18 and 31 years (M = 22.12, SD = 2.33). We measured the illegal use of online content and the factors of the TPB model, as well as outcome expectancies and social loafing with regard to participants’ illegal use of online content. Correlational analysis, stepwise regression analysis, path analysis for the TPB model, and analyses of the moderated model were performed using SPSS and AMOS.ResultsAll TPB factors, outcome expectancies, and social loafing were positively correlated with the illegal use of online content. Stepwise regression analysis showed that intention, social loafing, outcome expectancies, and perceived behavioral control were significant predictors of the illegal use of online content. A TPB model, including a direct path from perceived behavioral control to behavior, was validated to analyze the illegal use of online content. This model was found to be moderated by outcome expectancy.ConclusionThis study suggests that the TPB is useful for predicting the illegal use of online content and that outcome expectancies and social loafing also play an important role in the illegal use of online content among college students. The findings of this study provide useful information for future research and could aid in preventing illegal online content use among adolescents and young adults.

The Relationship between Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy, Career Preparation Behaviour and Career Decision Difficulties among South Korean College Students

Few studies have continuously examined the relationship between career decision-making self-efficacy variables and career-related variables in South Korea’s specific cultural context. Accordingly, this study aims to analyse (using Pearson’s correlations and structural equation modelling) the relationships between South Korean college students’ career decision-making self-efficacy, career preparation behaviour, and career decision difficulties. There were positive and negative relationships between career decision-making self-efficacy and career preparation behaviour career decision difficulties, respectively. In addition, we found a positive effect between career preparation behaviour and career decision-making self-efficacy, while career decision difficulties negatively affected career decision-making self-efficacy. Considering the standardised coefficient of the specific direct effect, the effect on career decision-making self-efficacy of career preparation behaviour was larger than that of career decision difficulties. It is recommended that career programmes are developed that help college students to independently set their career goals, actively search for career information, and promote career preparation behaviour while considering their majors. It is also recommended career counselling programmes be designed that can help them establish their self-concept and identity. These findings could provide the necessary basic data for the construction of an effective college career guidance system and inform strategies for improving college students’ career decision-making self-efficacy.

Effect of Academic Self-Efficacy and Career Decision Level on Career Preparation Behavior of South Korean College Students.

The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating role of the career decision level (decidedness and comfort) of South Korean college students regarding the relationships between academic self-efficacy and career preparation behavior. For this purpose, the study collected and analyzed data on 296 South Korean college students using SPSS 22.0 and Hayes’ (2013) Process Macro tool. The results of the study are as follows. Academic self-efficacy was positively associated with career decision level and career preparation behavior, and career decision level was positively associated with career preparation behavior. In terms of the mediation effect, the career decision level partially mediated the relationships between academic self-efficacy and career preparation behavior. The results of the study provide useful suggestions for interventions in the career counseling of college students.

COVID-19 Depression and Infection Prevention Behavior among College Students: A Health Belief Perspective.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increase in depression among college students due to anxiety and fear of infection. Nonetheless, COVID-19 infection prevention measures should be actively implemented. In this study, the mediating effect of health belief on the relationship between depression and infection prevention behavior was investigated. A survey of 220 South Korean college students was conducted. Depression was found to be the independent variable, health belief the mediating variable, and infection prevention behavior the dependent variable. The model fit index according to confirmatory factor analysis was found to be suitable. Depression among college students was not directly related to COVID-19 infection prevention behavior; however, depression was confirmed to be related to infection prevention behavior via the mediation of health belief. Arbitration measures, focusing on perceived severity and susceptibility during health belief, are required.

SOUTH KOREAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ VIEWS OF ONLINE LEARNING DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The COVID-19 pandemic has created many formidable challenges for educational institutions around the world. This case study sought to gain insight into South Korean university students’ satisfaction with online learning during the pandemic. It also obtained participant recommendations for improving online learning. Participants included 20 South Korean students studying at a university in central South Korea. Data included open-ended surveys, a focus group, and semi-structured interviews. Most students had mixed feelings in regard to satisfaction with online classes. A salient result is a need for more interaction in online classes. Students also provided a wide range of recommendations to improve online learning. Through these recommendations, university educators and administrators can better optimize online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and after the crisis has dissipated.

Social Cognitive Predictors of South Korean College Students’ Academic and Life Satisfaction during the COVID-19 Pandemic

본 연구는 사회인지이론에서 파생된 학업만족모델에 근거하여 팬데믹 상황에서 한국 대학생의 학업 및 삶의 만족을 예측하기 위해 다양한 사회인지변인들이 어떻게 서로 상호작용 하는지를 검증하였다. 학업적 맥락에서 환경 및 인지변인(학업지원, 자기효능감, 결과기대, 목표진전)들이 성격특질(외향성과 정서적 안정성)과 학업 및 삶의 만족과의 관계를 매개할 것이라고 가정하였다. 총 632명의 대학생이 연구에 참여하였고, 연구모델 분석을 위한 구조방정식과 성별차이 검증을 위한 다집단 분석을 실시한 결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 나이 및 학년을 통제한 사회인지 학업 및 삶의 만족 모델은 팬데믹 상황에서도 우리나라 대학생들의 학업 및 삶의 만족 구조를 잘 설명하는 것으로 나타났다. 구체적으로, 높은 외향성 및 정서안정성은 만족 변인들에 직·간접적으로 긍정적인 영향을 미쳤다. 사회인지 변인들은 이러한 관계에 있어서 중요한 매개적 역할을 하는 것으로 나타났다. 둘째, 성별에 따른 집단차이는 없는 것으로 나타났다. 전반적으로, 본 연구는 팬데믹 시대 한국 대학생의 학업과 삶의 만족을 향상 시킬 수 있는 통합적 프레임워크로써 사회인지 학업만족모델이 유용하다는 것을 보여준다.This study was designed to further extend the initial evidence whether the satisfaction model derived from Lent(2004)’s social cognitive model of well-being can be applied to the academic and life satisfaction of Korean college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the academic context, environmental and person-cognitive variables (academic supports, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and goal progress) were hypothesized to mediate the relations of personality traits (extraversion, emotional stability) to academic satisfaction and life satisfaction. Online survey data of 632 college students were analyzed using SEM modeling and multi-group SEM analyses. As a result, the hypothesized model produced acceptable fit indices. Consistent with theoretical prediction, social cognitive variables formed pathways that mediated the several links of personality traits to academic satisfaction or life satisfaction across male and female students. Overall, these findings provided evidence for the applicability and validity of the social cognitive satisfaction model during pandemic.

Living up to Parental Expectations, Psychological Separation, and Life Satisfaction

This study examined the relationship between living up to parental expectations (LPE) and life satisfaction as well as the moderating effect of psychological separation on this relationship among South Korean college students. The participants ( N = 343) completed an online survey measuring the study variables. We divided psychological separation into conflictual independence (CI) and general independence (GI) and performed multiple regression analysis. The results revealed a positive association between LPE and life satisfaction. Our analysis also indicated that GI moderated the relationship between LPE and life satisfaction. Specifically, the positive association between LPE and life satisfaction was significant for participants with lower levels of GI. We discussed the significance of these findings and explained their implications for counseling settings in terms of cultural considerations.