Date of Award
1-1-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Ed.D. in Education
First Advisor
Macey Edmondson
Second Advisor
Whitney Webb
Third Advisor
Katie Busby
School
University of Mississippi
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
Procrastination is a significant problem in academia with some estimates suggesting that this occurs in as high as 70-90% of college students (Abdi Zarrin & Gracia, 2020) that manifests in numerous harmful ways including postponement of weekly reading assignments, delay in writing term papers, and inadequate preparation and beginning too late when studying for exams. The effects of procrastination vary from the immediate, such as a failed grade on an assignment, to the long-term, including delayed graduation or even failure to graduate, all of which have the “knock-on” effect of harming the students’ self-esteem and future success following their studies. Procrastination’s effects may not be limited to poor time management or disengagement (Brownlow & Reasinger, 2000); its effects can extend to a lack of motivation and a failure of other self-regulatory aspects of behavior.
At the heart of procrastination is the uniquely human trait of decision-making, which is based on two behavioral characteristics termed system 1 and system 2 (Kahneman, 2011). System 1 thinking tends to be automatic, intuitive and impulsive, more attributed to knowing what we inherently like, dislike and prefer and is typically unconscious in nature. System 2 thinking tends to be thoughtful, calculated and deliberate as in when we are rationalizing whether to make a purchase of an item in a grocery store or not. System 2 thinking is used a very small percentage of the time due to the effort required and can lead to postponement. This is because thinking through decisions, particularly when not based on reflexive thinking, can feel overwhelming at which point the natural inclination is to delay the response or action.
In reviewing approaches to improve outcomes, nudge theory may offer one such avenue by encouraging behavioral change to act rather than to delay or procrastinate an action (Thaler & Sunstein, 2008). Nudges are mechanisms devised through a model of choice architecture, where the ideal option is proposed to the individual and limits the cognitive load experienced in the selection process. Nudge theory draws on behavioral economics and follows the concept of open choice architecture where the suggested choice in a scenario is articulated without removing any options or alternatives. An example is when food is arranged in a cafeteria where fruit is placed ahead of the cake. Consumers are nudged to select the fruit as it is easier and quicker to access, while not limiting them of the feeling of choice or access to the cake. This structure is intended to improve the chooser's own welfare and does not prescribe or proscribe any particular choice.
This dissertation will offer an assessment plan to understand the use and effect of nudges in a learning management system (LMS) at an academic institution and through the use of nudge theory, offer suggestions to help improve the effectiveness of the application of nudges.
Recommended Citation
Rodrigues, Nishanth J., "An Assessment Plan to Analyze Nudges and their Effectiveness in a Learning Management System at Educational Institutions" (2023). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2719.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/2719