Perceived Task Difficulty and Procrastination in College Students

Title

Perceived Task Difficulty and Procrastination in College Students

Author

Max Hebing

Faculty Sponsor

Jaime Cloud

Gavin Keulks

Date

6/1/2016

Abstract

The present study examined the potential effects of task difficulty on the level of procrastination in college students. I hypothesized that an increase in the perceived difficulty of a task would increase procrastination. Participants were randomly separated into two groups. While both groups took the same “test”, each group received a different description of the test prior to being sent the link through e-mail. One group received a description of an easy task, while the other group received a description of a difficult task. Procrastination was measured as time taken to initiate the test (Time A), time taken to complete the test (Time B), and Total Time. Time A was significantly longer for participants in the “difficult” group, t(41)=-2.286, p=.027, r^2=.1182. Total Time was also significantly higher for this group, t(41)=-3.028, p=.039, r^2=.1903.

Type

Text

Honors Thesis

Department

Honors Program

Keywords

Procrastination

Task Difficulty

Students

College

Language

eng

Rights

Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 06/01/2023, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author.

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Identifier

honors_theses/98