Undergraduate Students In Taiwan Research Articles

The Effect of Critical Thinking on Adolescent-Parent Career Congruence among Undergraduate Students in Taiwan: Friendship Quality as the Mediator

This research paper presents empirical evidence aimed at establishing a causal relationship between explicit critical thinking skills and adolescent-parent career congruence among undergraduate students. Additionally, it seeks to identify the mediating role of friendship quality in this relationship. The study employs structural equation modeling as a method to establish causality. The findings of this research have implications for educators and instructors in higher education, as well as career exploration consultants in schools. The study provides valuable evidence on the most effective approach to promoting adolescent-parent career congruence by utilizing critical thinking skills and fostering high-quality friendships.

Predicting students’ transfer intention to other universities using the push–pull–mooring model

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore the factors influencing transfer intention to other universities among undergraduate students by utilizing the push–pull–mooring (PPM) model. Previous studies have applied the PPM model to various services; however, limited research has examined its use in studying the transfer behavior of undergraduate students in higher education institutions. This study surveyed 208 undergraduate students in Taiwan and conducted structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the hypotheses. The results showed that push and pull effects positively affect transfer intention, with the impact of the push effect being greater than that of the pull effect. Moreover, switching costs have a moderating effect, with students who perceived high switching costs having less of an impact on the relationship between push-and-pull effects and transfer intention. This study advanced the extant knowledge on the PPM model in the context of higher education.

Survey on environmental awareness, attitudes and behaviours of undergraduate students in Taiwan

Survey on environmental awareness, attitudes and behaviours of undergraduate students in Taiwan

Survey on environmental awareness, attitudes and behaviours of undergraduate students in Taiwan

Survey on environmental awareness, attitudes and behaviours of undergraduate students in Taiwan

Using the Kinetic Magic Cursor in Education to Predict the Behavioral Intention in Using Technology

A Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) is a theory to measure how far users accept technology. This paper presents Venkatesh’s theoretical framework and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2), which UTAUT extended. UTAUT2 was used to assess the user’s acceptance of the Kinetic Magic Cursor (KMC). UTAUT’s theoretical framework has eight dimensions to predict behavioral intention in using technology. These dimensions of the UTAUT2 consist of performance expectation, social influence, hedonic motivation, effort expectancy, facilitating condition, habit, price value, and behavioral intentions. This study aimed to analyze the UTAUT2 by the genders among undergraduate students in Taiwan. UTAUT2 was used as a theoretical framework and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with expert choice 11.5 to analyze the data. The study found no significant difference between female and male students in using technology. The validity of structure for male and female student performance in KMC has a slightly similar percentage in the effort expectancy and behavioral intentions; males were 17.7% and 13.1%, and females were 17.6% and 13.4%, respectively.

Development and validation of a mandarin version of demoralization scale for adolescents and young adults

The impact of demoralization among the general population has received little attention due to the lack of an appropriate measurement. Three studies involving 1,143 high school and undergraduate students in Taiwan were thus conducted to develop and validate a tool to assess demoralization. A pool of 50 items was first developed and administered to high school students. Exploratory factor analysis results supported a 5-factor solution with 15 items (Study 1). Study 2 compared the potential models using confirmatory factor analysis and found the 5-factor second-order model with 15 items the best fit model. The 15-item Mandarin version of Demoralization Scale (DS-M-15) was also found to have good internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and (concurrent and predictive) validity in a sample of undergraduate students (Study 3). Taken together, the converging findings show that the DS-M-15 is a promising tool for assessing demoralization among Chinese adolescents and emerging adults.

Exploring social networking sites and problem-based learning in healthcare education in Taiwan: a difference analysis

PurposeThis study aimed to examine whether the use of wiki-systems in healthcare internship courses that adopt a problem-based learning approach may have significant influences on the relationships among students' relationship commitment, knowledge-sharing behavior and perceived problem-based learning performance in the context of higher education.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a quasi-experimental approach. Cross-sectional survey data collected from 187 undergraduate students in Taiwan were used for the data analysis procedures. The students in the experimental group used wiki-systems and a set of information and communication technologies as learning tools, while the students in the control group used the same set of information and communication technologies only. The statistical techniques of independent t-tests and component-based structural equation modeling were adopted to examine the research hypotheses.FindingsThe results reveal significant differences between the experimental and control groups concerning relationship commitment, knowledge-sharing behavior, independent study and active participation. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding group interaction and reasoning skills. Additionally, all the hypotheses regarding the relationships among constructs were supported.Originality/valueWiki-systems have unique features that can enhance the effectiveness of problem-based learning activities. This study is among the first to investigate how wiki-systems may affect the effectiveness of problem-based learning processes by investigating the relationships among healthcare students' relationship commitment, knowledge-sharing behavior and perceived problem-based learning performance. The results of this study can advance the current understanding of the effectiveness of wiki-based problem-based learning in the context of healthcare education.

Teaching Methods for Entrepreneurship Courses for Students in Taiwan

This short research article aims to present the teaching entrepreneurial management for undergraduate students in Taiwan with higher power distance and uncertainty avoidance. Teachers and students have to keep distances and wear masks to avoid infection. However, it reduces the passionate of students to communicate and answer questions. Mobile App such as ZUVIO can help teachers and students to cope the situations. Teachers and students in Taiwan with higher power distance and higher uncertainty avoidance prefer to present lectures and ask students to memorize knowledge form textbooks. However, the kinds of teaching methods do not fit entrepreneurship courses, which require creativity and innovation. We used teamwork, project writing, and competition assessment to inspire their creativity and innovation, in order to reduce uncertainty avoidance. Moreover, we use online education software, ZUVIO, for students to vote on the project anonymously with the intention of decreasing power distance. Studies carried out at one university in Taiwan in 2018. Our sample came from around 50 students attended an entrepreneurship course in a university in Taiwan. At the end of the semester, students, mostly from China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Indonesia, students present innovative projects, attend competitions, and receive brilliant awards. We recommend teachers in Asian countries with higher power distance and higher uncertainty avoidance revise teaching methods according to their teaching situation. For instance, most business school teachers use paper-and-pencil tests to assess learning outcomes, but a small number of teachers competition to evaluate performance. It could cause a conflict situation between teachers.

Cross-Sectional Associations between Physical Activity and Internet Addiction among Undergraduate Students in Taiwan

Purpose Internet addiction is a major health concern among undergraduate students; however, few studies have addressed modifiable behavioral factors associated with internet addiction in the context of Taiwan. This study aimed to investigate associations between physical activity and the risk of internet addiction among undergraduate students in Taiwan. Methods In 2017, we recruited 320 undergraduate students from Northern Taiwan to participate in a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey. Physical activity was measured by the Taiwanese short-form version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, which evaluates an individual’s weekly levels of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity (VPA) and moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity (MPA). Internet addiction was measured by the Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS). Results For the 320 surveyed students, the average CIAS score was 53.3, and 18.13% of participants were at risk for internet addiction (defined as CIAS score >64). The results of the multiple regression analysis indicated that a routine of at least 150 min of MPA per week was negatively associated with risk for internet addiction (β=−4.39, 95% CI=[-8.10, -0.66]). No significant associations were observed between internet addiction and 75 min of VPA or 150 min of total physical activity per week. Among the 5 dimensions of the CIAS scale, MPA was negatively associated with tolerance symptoms, time-management problems, and interpersonal and health-related problems when a routine of 150 min per week was adopted. Conclusion A routine of 150 min of MPA per week was associated with a lower risk for internet addiction. Intervention efforts aimed at reducing undergraduate students’ problematic internet use should promote recommended levels of MPA. We also recommend longitudinal research on the effects of engaging in physical activity on the risk of internet addition.

Taiwanese College Students’ Perceptions about Their English Reading and Writing Problems

Part of the impact of globalization on Taiwan's English education has increased the important need to become proficient in English for academic and occupational purposes. To help EAP (English for academic purposes) or ESP (English for specific purposes) teachers to design suitable English curriculum, this study aimed to investigate how a group of undergraduate students in Taiwan perceived their English reading and writing problems. A survey and a semi-structured group interview were conducted to collect data. Results of self-reported data show that most of them were intermediate readers, but they were mostly less-experienced writers in English. In their response to the survey and the semi-structured interview, these EFL students also described their perceptions about their common reading and writing problems.

Decision-making determinants of students participating in MOOCs: Merging the theory of planned behavior and self-regulated learning model

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-regulated learning and planned behavior of students participating in massive open online courses (MOOCs) at universities. Materials and methodsThis was a questionnaire study in which all of the respondents in the survey are undergraduate students in Taiwan. A total of 222 (114 male and 108 female) students were selected as survey subjects. Researchers used partial least squares (PLS) regression and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to evaluate the measurement model and the quality of measures. Data collection tools were the Self-Regulated Learning at Work Questionnaire and the Theory of Planned Behavior Questionnaire. ResultsStructural equation modeling was used to test research hypotheses. All the hypotheses tests showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between forethought of SRL and TPB. But, the relationship between attitude toward the behavior and behavioral intention was not significant. Additionally, the salient role of self-efficacy, goal setting, and task interest in generating planned behavior for participating in MOOCs was identified. Overall, self-efficacy, goal setting, and task interest were strong prediction variables for the proposed theoretical model. ConclusionResults of the structural model comparisons revealed that the prediction power of the integrated model was superior to that of the theory of planned behavior or the self-regulated learning model in the MOOCs online learning context.

Consumption of Energy Drinks among Undergraduate Students in Taiwan: Related Factors and Associations with Substance Use.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the consumption of energy drinks and associated factors among undergraduate students in Taiwan. Methods: Data came from a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2015. Eligible participants completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing use and perceptions of energy drinks, tobacco, alcohol, and betel nut. Results: Among 606 surveyed undergraduate students, 24.8% reported consuming energy drinks in the past 30 days. The major reasons for use included keeping alert at work (48.7%), being curious about the products (32.0%), enjoying the flavor (31.3%), or preparing for school exams (26.7%). Among energy drink users, half have never read the nutrition label, and 15.3% reported that they had ever mixed energy drinks with alcohol. Most participants showed negative attitudes toward using tobacco, alcohol, or betel nut, while 54.1% reported positive attitudes toward consuming energy drinks. Being male, living away from parents’ home, tobacco use, alcohol use, and positive perceptions of energy drink’s effects significantly predicted energy drink consumption. Conclusions: In addition to exploring motivations of energy drink consumption in undergraduate students in Taiwan, the study findings indicated that energy drink consumption might relate to the use of tobacco and alcohol, which should be taken into account in substance use prevention programs.

The learning effects of using infant simulators in Family Life Education: A study of undergraduate students in Taiwan

The purpose of this study explored the perceptions of undergraduate students who employed simulator infants in Family Life Education. All of the participants (N=156) were undergraduate students majoring in Family Studies programs in Taiwan. The data collection included quantitative reports of proper care scores, questionnaire, and qualitative data from focus group interviews and students’ reflective journals. The results showed that participants realized the responsibilities, challenges and difficulties of caring for babies. They had more discussion and open communication with significant others. Infant simulators could be used in Family Life Education in undergraduate courses, and to provide the opportunity for students at the emerging adulthood to think about the consequences of unwanted pregnancy, commitment of parents, preparedness for being parents, and learning child care skills. The implications of the study indicated that infant simulators may be used in the stage of emerging adulthood and provided for faculty and develop curriculum and multiple teaching strategies in Family Studies.

MCDM modelling on learning achievement determinants of undergraduate students in Taiwan

Learning achievement is one of the important higher education issues deserving attention. What are determinants on learning achievement? Does the time management eterminant (use of internet, part time job) matter? Or if not, what determinants make sense? The aim of this paper is to study the determinants for learning achievement from the undergraduate students' perspectives by applying the multiple-criteria-decision-making (MCDM) model. According to the results, among the six dimensions, 'learning motivation'; is the key dimension, 'learning attitude' ranks second, 'time management' ranks third, while 'learning resources' counts the least on learning achievement. The results provide insights for students, teachers, and school administrators.

Motivation matters? The relationship among different types of learning motivation, engagement behaviors and learning outcomes of undergraduate students in Taiwan

The purpose of this study is to understand predictors of different learning outcomes among various student background characteristics, types of learning motivation and engagement behaviors. 178 junior students were surveyed at a 4-year research university in Taiwan. The scales of motivation, engagement and perceived learning outcomes were adapted from the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire and the National Survey of Student Engagement College Student Report. Multiple hierarchical regression analysis was used in data analysis. Findings confirm that different student background characteristics and learning motivation can predict different learning outcomes. However, student engagement behaviors cannot significantly predict different types of learning outcomes when student background and learning motivation variables are included. This study also finds that student’s majors play an important role in explaining learning outcomes. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of learning motivation and suggest that instructors can provide students with more successful learning experiences to ensure more confidence in their learning abilities.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS’ SCIENCE-RELATED IDEAS AS EMBEDDED IN THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL WORLDVIEWS

This study explored environmental worldviews of selected undergraduate students in Taiwan and located the associations of these worldviews with science. The “environment” is represented as nature or the natural world, as opposed to the social and spiritual world. The participants were undergraduate students (14 science and 15 nonscience majors) enrolled in a general science course at a southern Taiwanese university. A questionnaire and individual interviews were conducted in parallel to elicit in depth the students’ ideas/beliefs about nature, such as, to what construes nature, how it works, and how humans relate to nature. The responses were analyzed using a phenomenographic approach to emphasize the qualitative variation of the students’ views. The key findings based on their relations to science and science education were the following: (1) Most students seemed to immediately relate the topic of nature to science and thus sought to explain nature from a scientific perspective, yet their understanding of scientific concepts or metaphors, such as the balance of nature, was problematic; (2) a value-free perspective is evident among some students in viewing human-induced natural crises: What we should do is merely look at facts and let science tell us what we should and should not do. (3) The students generally expressed trust in science and technology and believed it to be the key to improving the condition of nature as well as human life.

The cross-cultural nature of the relationship between schizotypy and mixed-handedness

Positive schizotypy is associated with non-right-handedness, which includes left- and mixed-handedness. However, because the underlying mechanisms might be different, it is important to examine whether both left- and mixed-handedness are associated with a high incidence of schizotypy. During 2009–2010, we used both the Perceptual Aberration Scale and Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire to assess 1315 undergraduate students in Taiwan for schizotypy and the Annett handedness questionnaire to assess handedness. Among the three-way classifications based on Annett's grouping, the fully left-handed group appeared to have the lowest score of positive schizotypy; next was the fully right-handed group and then the mixed-handed. Among the three-way classifications driven from cluster analysis, mixed-handers showed highest score of positive schizotypy. When handedness was treated continuously, both direction (e.g., Hand Preference Index) and consistency (e.g., Either hand use score) indicators were significantly correlated with schizotypy. The results of regression analyses showed that the quadratic handedness measure were negatively associated with schizotypy. The results remained similar after correcting for social pressure on left-handedness. In conclusion, the relationship between schizotypy and mixed-handedness appears to be cross-cultural. The dichotomous classification of handedness, right- vs. non-right-handedness, appears to be insufficient. Additional studies on the distinct mechanisms of mixed- and left-handedness are warranted.

World Englishes and Identity Construction: A Qualitative Analysis of Two Taiwanese EFL Undergraduates’ Viewpoints

This study aims to explore the shifting roles of Standard English and World Englishes in the identity construction process of EFL learners. This was a qualitative study of two Taiwanese EFL undergraduate students in Taiwan, which synthesized the data from (1) three semi-structured interviews, (2) field notes, (3) an opinion survey, and (4) the participants’ reflections on journal articles. The two participants intellectually appreciated the idea of World Englishes but realized it was difficult to have a real sense of owning English. The data showed that the two participants had formed images of English native speakers and differently relied on their own values in order to identify their perceptions and feelings as English speakers within the EFL discourse. One aspired to become, or indeed saw herself as, an English-speaking American, whereas the other emphasized her Taiwanese EFL background. The findings implied that the two participants perceived non-native English speakers’ initial marginality, and thus the value of taking on a more privileged identity, to be followed by either social solitude, or empowerment within a Taiwanese context that did not necessarily embrace learners’ new English-influenced identity. EFL learners’ real understanding of the legitimacy of L1s and native culture, and their genuine and empowering awareness of the rich proliferation of World Englishes, should insofar as possible be placed at the center of foreign language education.

Career indecision and state anxiety of returned international Chinese undergraduate students in Taiwan

This study investigates career indecision and levels of state anxiety among 647 returned international Chinese undergraduate students enrolled at 90 universities/colleges in Taiwan. The Chinese-language versions of the Career Decision Scale (CDS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were administered; results indicated that returned international Chinese undergraduate students in Taiwan are rarely free of state anxiety and career indecision. Moreover, it was discovered that career indecision could be predicted by whether or not students were interested in the subjects they had chosen to study and their current grade point averages, whereas levels of state anxiety could be predicted by whether or not students were interested in the subjects they had chosen to study and if they held part-time jobs during the semester in which the study took place. The results and implications for continuing research among participants of various cultural and linguistic backgrounds are discussed. Key word: Career education, career indecision, state anxiety, international students.

Cultural Effects on Perceptions of Unauthorized Software Copying

In most prior cross-cultural studies, which explored the antecedents of software users' USC (Unauthorized Software Copying) intentions, legal and ethical perspectives of USC lacked careful and distinguishing discussions. Thus, this research compares the attitudes of undergraduates in Taiwan and in the United States toward USC, in particular, legal and ethical perspectives. A collection of 133 surveys indicates undergraduate students in Taiwan are significantly more sensitive to USC than those in the United States. In addition, the self-reported ability to copy software was significantly lower among Taiwanese participants than U.S. students. For those who reported higher abilities to copy software or those with religious convictions, their attitudes seemed to be more open-minded toward USC either in terms of legality or degree of ethical behavior. The implications is that government agents should actively attempt to reformulate undergraduates' ethical values and enact appropriate policies to prevent students in Taiwan from engaging in USC.