The effect of personality and mind wandering on student attitudes to online learning
Authors
Crombie, Lisa
Issue Date
2023-03
Degree
BA in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on education. Lockdown measures to prevent the spread of the virus led to an immediate shift to online learning. Following the lifting of restrictions, some higher education institutes chose to remain online. Research has shown online learning is not suitable for all learners, with some finding it difficult to maintain engagement. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of personality and mind wandering on students' attitude to online learning. 101 participants completed an online survey. Of the Big Five, emotional stability was the only trait to have a significant relationship with student engagement in online learning. Openness to experience had a positive relationship with positive constructive daydreaming. In contrast, extraversion, and conscientiousness both had a negative impact on poor attentional control. Openness to experience was shown to have a significant positive relationship with both deliberate and spontaneous acts of mind wandering, with emotional stability having a negative relationship with spontaneous mind wandering.