On the assessment of attitudes towards the study process and the university: Attitudes towards the Study Environment Questionnaire (ASEQ)

The purpose of the research was to develop and validate an instrument for the assessment of attitudes towards the study environment in higher education contexts. The questionnaire is designed to measure students' attitudes towards two particular objects: the university (or Higher Education Institution) and the process of studying. Five studies at two different universities were conducted to develop and validate the Attitudes towards the Study Environment Questionnaire (ASEQ). In total, 1640 students filled in the questionnaire. Reliability tests and exploratory factor analysis as well as confirmatory factor analysis showed satisfactory psychometric characteristics of the ASEQ. Each part of the questionnaire is internally consistent and construct validity of the scales is supported by correlations with other constructs as assumed by current theories: Positive attitudinal constructs (normative behavior, autonomy, joy, self-efficacy, and task value) are positively related to intrinsic motivation and the expected study performance while anxiety is negatively related to these constructs. Since attitudes towards the study situation are connected to student engagement and motivation, the study contributes to the theory of student learning by providing a validated instrument to assess attitudes. Thus, the ASEQ can support further research on student performance and development by providing an instrument for the hitherto neglected but nonetheless extremely relevant domain of attitudes. Also, the questionnaire can be used as a diagnostic instrument for higher education faculty and administration to trace students' attitudinal development over time - a factor of prime importance for student socialization during the introductory phase of studying.