Session 1B: How Students Adjust: Analyzing the Accuracy of the W-Curve Theory
Session Number
Session 1B: 4th Presentation
Advisor(s)
Robert Hernandez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Location
Academic Pit
Start Date
28-4-2017 8:30 AM
End Date
28-4-2017 9:45 AM
COinS
Apr 28th, 8:30 AM
Apr 28th, 9:45 AM
Session 1B: How Students Adjust: Analyzing the Accuracy of the W-Curve Theory
Academic Pit
Comments
The W-Curve Theory of Adjustment describes the various emotional stages experienced upon entering a new cultural setting for the first time. While the W-Curve Theory is founded upon research surrounding adults in new environments, its accuracy has yet to be studied in application to the emotional adjustment process of first-year residential Presenters. We have set out to determine whether the WCurve is an accurate description of the transition into a first-year residential academic setting, using Plutchik's Wheel of primary emotions for reference. Data was collected from the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy sophomore class of 2019, and their Subjective Emotional Polarity Differences (SEPDs) were calculated and compared. A better understanding of how first-year Presenters adjust to new academic environments will help parents, staff, and the Presenters themselves navigate through the adjustment process, and how residential administrations can guide policy to make the transition as smooth as possible.