The Effect of Situational Interest on Study Time Investment in College Students
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| Title: | The Effect of Situational Interest on Study Time Investment in College Students |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Meimei Liu (ORCID |
| Source: | Educational Psychology. 2026 46(2):291-310. |
| Availability: | Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 20 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | College Students, Study Habits, Time Factors (Learning), Problem Based Learning, Student Interests, Problem Solving, Student Behavior, Student Motivation, Proximity, Academic Achievement |
| DOI: | 10.1080/01443410.2025.2580962 |
| ISSN: | 0144-3410 1469-5820 |
| Abstract: | Tutorial groups in higher education spark students' interest and promote independent study. But does an interesting problem lead students to invest time in their studies? This study examined whether students' interest in problems discussed in problem-based learning groups predicts their investment of study time. We followed 323 college students across three problem-based courses, assessing their interest in problems both prospectively (before solving) and retrospectively (after solving). Students also reported their independent study time per problem. Results showed that prospective and retrospective interest ratings were weakly correlated. Only retrospective interest predicted study time. Proximity to exams increased study time, but this effect did not interact with interest. These findings suggest that initial situational interest does not sustain effort. Instead, retrospective interest--shaped by students' experiences--better explains study time investment, highlighting the importance of maintaining interest over time rather than relying on initial curiosity. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1502818 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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