The Kids are Alright: Student Productivity and Covid-19

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the degree to which student productivity has been impacted due to the presence of Covid-19, and what coping strategies, if any, students implemented to maintain or increase productivity during the pandemic. The sample consisted of 730 introductory psychology students between 18-53 years (mean = 21.9 , SD = 5.83) and primarily women (n = 457). In addition to questionnaires on self and time management four scales were used to measure various ways in which the pandemic may have impacted students including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Irrational Procrastination Scale (IPS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Time Structure Questionnaire(TSQ). Correlational analysis was used to determine what factors may have impacted GPA. Weak correlations were found between GPA and; TSQ (r = .20); IPS (r = -.18). No meaningful correlation was found between GPA and ESS or PSS or any of the other questionnaires. Preliminary analysis of qualitative responses by students indicate to students being aware of and implementing a variety of well established coping strategies.

Keywords: productivity, covid-19, student, coping

Department: Psychology 

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Rodney Schmaltz