Survey of american college students evaluation of research skill

SURVEY OF AMERICAN COLLEGE STUDENTS:
RESEARCH SKILLS NEEDS EVALUATION

ISBN 978-157440-543-9

©2018 Primary Research Group Inc.


Survey of American College Students: Research Skills Needs Evaluation

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Survey of American College Students: Research Skills Needs Evaluation

Table of Contents
THE QUESTIONNAIRE.......................................................................................................................................... 15
Characteristics of the Sample ........................................................................................................................ 20
SUMMARY OF MAIN FINDINGS .................................................................................................................... 25
1. Have you ever been required to turn in a paper exceeding approximately 10 double
spaced typed pages in length for any of your classes? ................................................................... 25
Results by institution type...................................................................................................................25
Results by demographic group ............................................................................................................25
Results by academic characteristics ....................................................................................................25

2. When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from the following sources? ............. 26
2.1.

general Google, Yahoo searches or other internet searches ..................................................26

2.2.

Wikipedia or other wikis .........................................................................................................26

2.3.

Online databases, e-books or online journals offered through college library ......................27

2.4.

Books, magazines or other print resources offered through college library ..........................27

2.5.

Other sources ..........................................................................................................................27

3. Need for Instruction for Research Papers................................................................................... 28
3.1.

Organizing and Structuring a Research Paper .........................................................................28

3.2.

Researching a Research Paper ................................................................................................28

3.3.

Citations and Footnoting for a Research Paper ......................................................................29

3.4.

Spelling and Grammar .............................................................................................................30

3.5.

general Writing Skills ...............................................................................................................31

Table 1.1 Have you ever been required to turn in a paper exceeding approximately 10
double spaced typed pages in length for any of your classes? ......................................................... 32
Table 1.2 Have you ever been required to turn in a paper exceeding approximately 10
double spaced typed pages in length for any of your classes? Broken out by Carnegie class
................................................................................................................................................................................... 32
Table 1.3 Have you ever been required to turn in a paper exceeding approximately 10
double spaced typed pages in length for any of your classes? Broken out by age of survey
participant ............................................................................................................................................................ 32
Table 1.4 Have you ever been required to turn in a paper exceeding approximately 10
double spaced typed pages in length for any of your classes? Broken out for survey
participants from rural, suburban and urban areas of origin .......................................................... 33
Table 1.5 Have you ever been required to turn in a paper exceeding approximately 10
double spaced typed pages in length for any of your classes? Broken out regional origins of
the survey participant ...................................................................................................................................... 33
Table 1.6 Have you ever been required to turn in a paper exceeding approximately 10
double spaced typed pages in length for any of your classes? Broken out by college year
class standing ...................................................................................................................................................... 33
Table 1.7 Have you ever been required to turn in a paper exceeding approximately 10
double spaced typed pages in length for any of your classes? Broken out by approximate
student family annual income....................................................................................................................... 34
Table 1.8 Have you ever been required to turn in a paper exceeding approximately 10
double spaced typed pages in length for any of your classes? Broken out by degree of
religiosity of the survey participant ........................................................................................................... 35

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Survey of American College Students: Research Skills Needs Evaluation
Table 1.9 Have you ever been required to turn in a paper exceeding approximately 10
double spaced typed pages in length for any of your classes? Broken out by type of political
beliefs of the survey participant .................................................................................................................. 36
Table 1.10 Have you ever been required to turn in a paper exceeding approximately 10
double spaced typed pages in length for any of your classes? Broken out by college grades
of the survey participant ................................................................................................................................. 36
Table 1.11 Have you ever been required to turn in a paper exceeding approximately 10
double spaced typed pages in length for any of your classes? Broken out by current or likely
college major of the survey participant .................................................................................................... 37
Table 1.12 Have you ever been required to turn in a paper exceeding approximately 10
double spaced typed pages in length for any of your classes? Broken out by gender of the
survey participant ............................................................................................................................................. 37
Table 1.13 Have you ever been required to turn in a paper exceeding approximately 10
double spaced typed pages in length for any of your classes? Broken out for students in
public or private colleges: .............................................................................................................................. 38
Table 1.14 Have you ever been required to turn in a paper exceeding approximately 10
double spaced typed pages in length for any of your classes? Broken out by type of
domestic housing arrangement of the survey participant ................................................................ 38
Table 1.15 Have you ever been required to turn in a paper exceeding approximately 10
double spaced typed pages in length for any of your classes? Broken out by employment
circumstance of the survey participant..................................................................................................... 39
Table 1.16 Have you ever been required to turn in a paper exceeding approximately 10
double spaced typed pages in length for any of your classes? Broken out by sexual
orientation of the survey participant ......................................................................................................... 39
Table 1.17 Have you ever been required to turn in a paper exceeding approximately 10
double spaced typed pages in length for any of your classes? Broken out by ACT or SAT

scores of the survey participant ................................................................................................................... 40
Table 1.18 Have you ever been required to turn in a paper exceeding approximately 10
double spaced typed pages in length for any of your classes? Broken out by the racial or
ethnic identity of the survey participant .................................................................................................. 40
Table 2 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from the following sources? .................. 41
Table 2.1.1 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from general Google, Yahoo searches
or other internet searches? ....................................................................................................................... 41
Table 2.1.2 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from general Google, Yahoo searches
or other internet searches? Broken out by Carnegie class ........................................................... 41
Table 2.1.3 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from general Google, Yahoo searches
or other internet searches? Broken out by age of survey participant ...................................... 41
Table 2.1.4 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from general Google, Yahoo searches
or other internet searches? Broken out for survey participants from rural, suburban and
urban areas of origin.................................................................................................................................... 42
Table 2.1.5 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from general Google, Yahoo searches
or other internet searches? Broken out regional origins of the survey participant ........... 42

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Survey of American College Students: Research Skills Needs Evaluation
Table 2.1.6 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from general Google, Yahoo searches
or other internet searches? Broken out by college year class standing .................................. 42

Table 2.1.7 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from general Google, Yahoo searches
or other internet searches? Broken out by approximate student family annual income . 43
Table 2.1.8 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from general Google, Yahoo searches
or other internet searches? Broken out by degree of religiosity of the survey participant
.............................................................................................................................................................................. 43
Table 2.1.9 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from general Google, Yahoo searches
or other internet searches? Broken out by type of political beliefs of the survey
participant ....................................................................................................................................................... 44
Table 2.1.10 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from general Google, Yahoo
searches or other internet searches? Broken out by college grades of the survey
participant ....................................................................................................................................................... 44
Table 2.1.11 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from general Google, Yahoo
searches or other internet searches? Broken out by current or likely college major of the
survey participant......................................................................................................................................... 45
Table 2.1.12 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from general Google, Yahoo
searches or other internet searches? Broken out by gender of the survey participant .... 45
Table 2.1.13 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from general Google, Yahoo
searches or other internet searches? Broken out for students in public or private colleges
.............................................................................................................................................................................. 46
Table 2.1.14 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from general Google, Yahoo
searches or other internet searches? Broken out by type of domestic housing
arrangement of the survey participant ................................................................................................ 46

Table 2.1.15 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from general Google, Yahoo
searches or other internet searches? Broken out by employment circumstance of the
survey participant......................................................................................................................................... 47
Table 2.1.16 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from general Google, Yahoo
searches or other internet searches? Broken out by sexual orientation of the survey
participant ....................................................................................................................................................... 47
Table 2.1.17 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from general Google, Yahoo
searches or other internet searches? Broken out by ACT or SAT scores of the survey
participant ....................................................................................................................................................... 47
Table 2.1.18 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from general Google, Yahoo
searches or other internet searches? Broken out by the racial or ethnic identity of the
survey participant......................................................................................................................................... 48
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Survey of American College Students: Research Skills Needs Evaluation
Table 2.2.1 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from Wikipedia or other wikis? ...... 48
Table 2.2.2 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from Wikipedia or other wikis?
Broken out by Carnegie class ................................................................................................................... 48
Table 2.2.3 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from Wikipedia or other wikis?
Broken out by age of survey participant .............................................................................................. 49
Table 2.2.4 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from Wikipedia or other wikis?

Broken out for survey participants from rural, suburban and urban areas of origin ........ 49
Table 2.2.5 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from Wikipedia or other wikis?
Broken out regional origins of the survey participant ................................................................... 50
Table 2.2.6 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from Wikipedia or other wikis?
Broken out by college year class standing .......................................................................................... 50
Table 2.2.7 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from Wikipedia or other wikis?
Broken out by approximate student family annual income ......................................................... 50
Table 2.2.8 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from Wikipedia or other wikis?
Broken out by degree of religiosity of the survey participant..................................................... 51
Table 2.2.9 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from Wikipedia or other wikis?
Broken out by type of political beliefs of the survey participant ............................................... 51
Table 2.2.10 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from Wikipedia or other wikis?
Broken out by college grades of the survey participant ................................................................ 52
Table 2.2.11 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from Wikipedia or other wikis?
Broken out by current or likely college major of the survey participant ................................ 52
Table 2.2.12 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from Wikipedia or other wikis?
Broken out by gender of the survey participant ............................................................................... 53
Table 2.2.13 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from Wikipedia or other wikis?
Broken out for students in public or private colleges..................................................................... 53
Table 2.2.14 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from Wikipedia or other wikis?

Broken out by type of domestic housing arrangement of the survey participant ............... 53
Table 2.2.15 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from Wikipedia or other wikis?
Broken out by employment circumstance of the survey participant ....................................... 54
Table 2.2.16 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from Wikipedia or other wikis?
Broken out by sexual orientation of the survey participant ........................................................ 54
Table 2.2.17 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from Wikipedia or other wikis?
Broken out by ACT or SAT scores of the survey participant ........................................................ 54
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Survey of American College Students: Research Skills Needs Evaluation
Table 2.2.18 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from Wikipedia or other wikis?
Broken out by the racial or ethnic identity of the survey participant ...................................... 55
Table 2.3.1 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from online databases, e-books or
online journals offered through your college library?.................................................................... 55
Table 2.3.2 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from online databases, e-books or
online journals offered through your college library? Broken out by Carnegie class ........ 55
Table 2.3.3 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from online databases, e-books or
online journals offered through your college library? Broken out by age of survey
participant ....................................................................................................................................................... 56
Table 2.3.4 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from online databases, e-books or
online journals offered through your college library? Broken out for survey participants

from rural, suburban and urban areas of origin ............................................................................... 56
Table 2.3.5 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from online databases, e-books or
online journals offered through your college library? Broken out regional origins of the
survey participant......................................................................................................................................... 56
Table 2.3.6 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from online databases, e-books or
online journals offered through your college library? Broken out by college year class
standing ............................................................................................................................................................ 57
Table 2.3.7 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from online databases, e-books or
online journals offered through your college library? Broken out by approximate student
family annual income .................................................................................................................................. 57
Table 2.3.8 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from online databases, e-books or
online journals offered through your college library? Broken out by degree of religiosity
of the survey participant ............................................................................................................................ 58
Table 2.3.9 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from online databases, e-books or
online journals offered through your college library? Broken out by type of political
beliefs of the survey participant.............................................................................................................. 58
Table 2.3.10 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from online databases, e-books
or online journals offered through your college library? Broken out by college grades of
the survey participant ................................................................................................................................. 58
Table 2.3.11 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from online databases, e-books
or online journals offered through your college library? Broken out by current or likely
college major of the survey participant ................................................................................................ 59
Table 2.3.12 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about

what percentage of the information that you need comes from online databases, e-books
or online journals offered through your college library? Broken out by gender of the
survey participant......................................................................................................................................... 59
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Survey of American College Students: Research Skills Needs Evaluation
Table 2.3.13 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from online databases, e-books
or online journals offered through your college library? Broken out for students in public
or private colleges......................................................................................................................................... 59
Table 2.3.14 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from online databases, e-books
or online journals offered through your college library? Broken out by type of domestic
housing arrangement of the survey participant ............................................................................... 60
Table 2.3.15 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from online databases, e-books
or online journals offered through your college library? Broken out by employment
circumstance of the survey participant ................................................................................................ 60
Table 2.3.16 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from online databases, e-books
or online journals offered through your college library? Broken out by sexual orientation
of the survey participant ............................................................................................................................ 61
Table 2.3.17 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from online databases, e-books
or online journals offered through your college library? Broken out by ACT or SAT scores
of the survey participant ............................................................................................................................ 61
Table 2.3.18 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from online databases, e-books
or online journals offered through your college library? Broken out by the racial or

ethnic identity of the survey participant ............................................................................................. 61
Table 2.4.1 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from books, magazines or other print
resources offered through your college library? .............................................................................. 62
Table 2.4.2 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from books, magazines or other print
resources offered through your college library? Broken out by Carnegie class................... 62
Table 2.4.3 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from books, magazines or other print
resources offered through your college library? Broken out by age of survey participant
.............................................................................................................................................................................. 62
Table 2.4.4 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from books, magazines or other print
resources offered through your college library? Broken out for survey participants from
rural, suburban and urban areas of origin .......................................................................................... 63
Table 2.4.5 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from books, magazines or other print
resources offered through your college library? Broken out regional origins of the survey
participant ....................................................................................................................................................... 63
Table 2.4.6 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from books, magazines or other print
resources offered through your college library? Broken out by college year class standing
.............................................................................................................................................................................. 63
Table 2.4.7 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from books, magazines or other print
resources offered through your college library? Broken out by approximate student
family annual income .................................................................................................................................. 64
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Survey of American College Students: Research Skills Needs Evaluation
Table 2.4.8 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from books, magazines or other print
resources offered through your college library? Broken out by degree of religiosity of the
survey participant......................................................................................................................................... 64
Table 2.4.9 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from books, magazines or other print
resources offered through your college library? Broken out by type of political beliefs of
the survey participant ................................................................................................................................. 65
Table 2.4.10 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from books, magazines or other
print resources offered through your college library? Broken out by college grades of the
survey participant......................................................................................................................................... 65
Table 2.4.11 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from books, magazines or other
print resources offered through your college library? Broken out by current or likely
college major of the survey participant ................................................................................................ 66
Table 2.4.12 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from books, magazines or other
print resources offered through your college library? Broken out by gender of the survey
participant ....................................................................................................................................................... 66
Table 2.4.13 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from books, magazines or other
print resources offered through your college library? Broken out for students in public or
private colleges: ............................................................................................................................................. 66
Table 2.4.14 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from books, magazines or other
print resources offered through your college library? Broken out by type of domestic
housing arrangement of the survey participant ............................................................................... 67
Table 2.4.15 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about

what percentage of the information that you need comes from books, magazines or other
print resources offered through your college library? Broken out by employment
circumstance of the survey participant ................................................................................................ 67
Table 2.4.16 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from books, magazines or other
print resources offered through your college library? Broken out by sexual orientation of
the survey participant ................................................................................................................................. 68
Table 2.4.17 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from books, magazines or other
print resources offered through your college library? Broken out by ACT or SAT scores of
the survey participant ................................................................................................................................. 68
Table 2.4.18 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from books, magazines or other
print resources offered through your college library? Broken out by the racial or ethnic
identity of the survey participant ........................................................................................................... 68
Table 2.5.1 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from other sources? ............................. 69
Table 2.5.2 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from other sources? Broken out by
Carnegie class ................................................................................................................................................. 69
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Survey of American College Students: Research Skills Needs Evaluation
Table 2.5.3 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from other sources? Broken out by
age of survey participant............................................................................................................................ 69
Table 2.5.4 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from other sources? Broken out for
survey participants from rural, suburban and urban areas of origin ....................................... 70

Table 2.5.5 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from other sources? Broken out
regional origins of the survey participant ........................................................................................... 70
Table 2.5.6 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from other sources? Broken out by
college year class standing ........................................................................................................................ 70
Table 2.5.7 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from other sources? Broken out by
approximate student family annual income ....................................................................................... 71
Table 2.5.8 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from other sources? Broken out by
degree of religiosity of the survey participant .................................................................................. 71
Table 2.5.9 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from other sources? Broken out by
type of political beliefs of the survey participant ............................................................................. 72
Table 2.5.10 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from other sources? Broken out
by college grades of the survey participant ........................................................................................ 72
Table 2.5.11 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from other sources? Broken out
by current or likely college major of the survey participant........................................................ 72
Table 2.5.12 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from other sources? Broken out
by gender of the survey participant ....................................................................................................... 73
Table 2.5.13 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from other sources? Broken out
for students in public or private colleges ............................................................................................ 73
Table 2.5.14 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from other sources? Broken out
by type of domestic housing arrangement of the survey participant....................................... 73

Table 2.5.15 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from other sources? Broken out
by employment circumstance of the survey participant ............................................................... 74
Table 2.5.16 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from other sources? Broken out
by sexual orientation of the survey participant ................................................................................ 74
Table 2.5.17 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from other sources? Broken out
by ACT or SAT scores of the survey participant ................................................................................ 74
Table 2.5.18 When you do need to do research for your courses, as an average, about
what percentage of the information that you need comes from other sources? Broken out
by the racial or ethnic identity of the survey participant .............................................................. 75
Table 3 Rate Your Need for Instruction in the Following Areas: .................................................... 76
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Survey of American College Students: Research Skills Needs Evaluation
Table 3.1.1 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Organizing and Structuring a Research
Paper .................................................................................................................................................................. 76
Table 3.1.2 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Organizing and Structuring a Research
Paper: Broken out by Carnegie class ..................................................................................................... 76
Table 3.1.3 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Organizing and Structuring a Research
Paper: Broken out by age of survey participant ............................................................................... 77
Table 3.1.4 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Organizing and Structuring a Research
Paper: Broken out for survey participants from rural, suburban and urban areas of origin
.............................................................................................................................................................................. 77
Table 3.1.5 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Organizing and Structuring a Research
Paper: Broken out regional origins of the survey participant ..................................................... 78
Table 3.1.6 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Organizing and Structuring a Research
Paper: Broken out by college year class standing ............................................................................ 78

Table 3.1.7 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Organizing and Structuring a Research
Paper: Broken out by approximate student family annual income ........................................... 79
Table 3.1.8 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Organizing and Structuring a Research
Paper: Broken out by degree of religiosity of the survey participant ...................................... 80
Table 3.1.9 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Organizing and Structuring a Research
Paper: Broken out by type of political beliefs of the survey participant ................................. 81
Table 3.1.10 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Organizing and Structuring a Research
Paper: Broken out by college grades of the survey participant .................................................. 81
Table 3.1.11 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Organizing and Structuring a Research
Paper: Broken out by current or likely college major of the survey participant.................. 82
Table 3.1.12 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Organizing and Structuring a Research
Paper: Broken out by gender of the survey participant................................................................. 82
Table 3.1.13 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Organizing and Structuring a Research
Paper: Broken out for students in public or private colleges ...................................................... 83
Table 3.1.14 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Organizing and Structuring a Research
Paper: Broken out by type of domestic housing arrangement of the survey participant. 83
Table 3.1.15 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Organizing and Structuring a Research
Paper: Broken out by employment circumstance of the survey participant ......................... 84
Table 3.1.16 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Organizing and Structuring a Research
Paper: Broken out by sexual orientation of the survey participant .......................................... 84
Table 3.1.17 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Organizing and Structuring a Research
Paper: Broken out by ACT or SAT scores of the survey participant.......................................... 85
Table 3.1.18 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Organizing and Structuring a Research
Paper: Broken out by the racial or ethnic identity of the survey participant ........................ 86
Table 3.2.1 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Researching a Research Paper ..................... 86
Table 3.2.2 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Researching a Research Paper: Broken out
by Carnegie class ........................................................................................................................................... 87
Table 3.2.3 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Researching a Research Paper: Broken out
by age of survey participant...................................................................................................................... 87
Table 3.2.4 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Researching a Research Paper: Broken out

for survey participants from rural, suburban and urban areas of origin ................................ 88
Table 3.2.5 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Researching a Research Paper: Broken out
regional origins of the survey participant ........................................................................................... 88
Table 3.2.6 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Researching a Research Paper: Broken out
by college year class standing .................................................................................................................. 89
Table 3.2.7 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Researching a Research Paper: Broken out
by approximate student family annual income ................................................................................. 89
11 | P a g e


Survey of American College Students: Research Skills Needs Evaluation
Table 3.2.8 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Researching a Research Paper: Broken out
by degree of religiosity of the survey participant ............................................................................ 90
Table 3.2.9 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Researching a Research Paper: Broken out
by type of political beliefs of the survey participant ....................................................................... 91
Table 3.2.10 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Researching a Research Paper: Broken out
by college grades of the survey participant ........................................................................................ 91
Table 3.2.11 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Researching a Research Paper: Broken out
by current or likely college major of the survey participant........................................................ 92
Table 3.2.12 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Researching a Research Paper: Broken out
by gender of the survey participant....................................................................................................... 92
Table 3.2.13 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Researching a Research Paper: Broken out
for students in public or private colleges ............................................................................................ 93
Table 3.2.14 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Researching a Research Paper: Broken out
by type of domestic housing arrangement of the survey participant....................................... 93
Table 3.2.15 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Researching a Research Paper: Broken out
by employment circumstance of the survey participant ............................................................... 94
Table 3.2.16 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Researching a Research Paper: Broken out
by sexual orientation of the survey participant ................................................................................ 94
Table 3.2.17 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Researching a Research Paper: Broken out

by ACT or SAT scores of the survey participant ................................................................................ 95
Table 3.2.18 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Researching a Research Paper: Broken out
by the racial or ethnic identity of the survey participant .............................................................. 95
Table 3.3.1 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Citations and Footnoting for a Research
Paper .................................................................................................................................................................. 96
Table 3.3.2 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Citations and Footnoting for a Research
Paper: Broken out by Carnegie class ..................................................................................................... 96
Table 3.3.3 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Citations and Footnoting for a Research
Paper: Broken out by age of survey participant ............................................................................... 97
Table 3.3.4 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Citations and Footnoting for a Research
Paper: Broken out for survey participants from rural, suburban and urban areas of origin
.............................................................................................................................................................................. 97
Table 3.3.5 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Citations and Footnoting for a Research
Paper: Broken out regional origins of the survey participant ..................................................... 98
Table 3.3.6 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Citations and Footnoting for a Research
Paper: Broken out by college year class standing ............................................................................ 98
Table 3.3.7 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Citations and Footnoting for a Research
Paper: Broken out by approximate student family annual income ........................................... 99
Table 3.3.8 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Citations and Footnoting for a Research
Paper: Broken out by degree of religiosity of the survey participant .................................... 100
Table 3.3.9 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Citations and Footnoting for a Research
Paper: Broken out by type of political beliefs of the survey participant ............................... 100
Table 3.3.10 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Citations and Footnoting for a Research
Paper: Broken out by college grades of the survey participant ................................................ 101
Table 3.3.11 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Citations and Footnoting for a Research
Paper: Broken out by current or likely college major of the survey participant................ 101
Table 3.3.12 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Citations and Footnoting for a Research
Paper: Broken out by gender of the survey participant............................................................... 102
Table 3.3.13 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Citations and Footnoting for a Research
Paper: Broken out for students in public or private colleges .................................................... 102

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Survey of American College Students: Research Skills Needs Evaluation
Table 3.3.14 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Citations and Footnoting for a Research
Paper: Broken out by type of domestic housing arrangement of the survey participant
............................................................................................................................................................................ 103
Table 3.3.15 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Citations and Footnoting for a Research
Paper: Broken out by employment circumstance of the survey participant ....................... 103
Table 3.3.16 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Citations and Footnoting for a Research
Paper: Broken out by sexual orientation of the survey participant ........................................ 104
Table 3.3.17 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Citations and Footnoting for a Research
Paper: Broken out by ACT or SAT scores of the survey participant........................................ 104
Table 3.3.18 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Citations and Footnoting for a Research
Paper: Broken out by the racial or ethnic identity of the survey participant ...................... 105
Table 3.4.1 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Spelling and Grammar ................................... 105
Table 3.4.2 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Spelling and Grammar: Broken out by
Carnegie class ............................................................................................................................................... 106
Table 3.4.3 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Spelling and Grammar: Broken out by age
of survey participant.................................................................................................................................. 106
Table 3.4.4 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Spelling and Grammar: Broken out for
survey participants from rural, suburban and urban areas of origin ..................................... 107
Table 3.4.5 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Spelling and Grammar: Broken out regional
origins of the survey participant ........................................................................................................... 107
Table 3.4.6 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Spelling and Grammar: Broken out by
college year class standing ...................................................................................................................... 108
Table 3.4.7 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Spelling and Grammar: Broken out by
approximate student family annual income ..................................................................................... 108
Table 3.4.8 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Spelling and Grammar: Broken out by
degree of religiosity of the survey participant ................................................................................ 109

Table 3.4.9 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Spelling and Grammar: Broken out by type
of political beliefs of the survey participant ..................................................................................... 110
Table 3.4.10 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Spelling and Grammar: Broken out by
college grades of the survey participant ............................................................................................ 110
Table 3.4.11 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Spelling and Grammar: Broken out by
current or likely college major of the survey participant............................................................ 111
Table 3.4.12 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Spelling and Grammar: Broken out by
gender of the survey participant ........................................................................................................... 111
Table 3.4.13 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Spelling and Grammar: Broken out for
students in public or private colleges ................................................................................................. 112
Table 3.4.14 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Spelling and Grammar: Broken out by
type of domestic housing arrangement of the survey participant ........................................... 112
Table 3.4.15 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Spelling and Grammar: Broken out by
employment circumstance of the survey participant ................................................................... 113
Table 3.4.16 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Spelling and Grammar: Broken out by
sexual orientation of the survey participant .................................................................................... 113
Table 3.4.17 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Spelling and Grammar: Broken out by ACT
or SAT scores of the survey participant ............................................................................................. 114
Table 3.4.18 Rate Your Need for Instruction in Spelling and Grammar: Broken out by the
racial or ethnic identity of the survey participant ......................................................................... 115
Table 3.5.1 Rate Your Need for Instruction in general Writing Skills .................................... 115
Table 3.5.2 Rate Your Need for Instruction in general Writing Skills: Broken out by
Carnegie class ............................................................................................................................................... 116
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Survey of American College Students: Research Skills Needs Evaluation
Table 3.5.3 Rate Your Need for Instruction in general Writing Skills: Broken out by age of
survey participant....................................................................................................................................... 116
Table 3.5.4 Rate Your Need for Instruction in general Writing Skills: Broken out for

survey participants from rural, suburban and urban areas of origin ..................................... 117
Table 3.5.5 Rate Your Need for Instruction in general Writing Skills: Broken out regional
origins of the survey participant ........................................................................................................... 117
Table 3.5.6 Rate Your Need for Instruction in general Writing Skills: Broken out by
college year class standing ...................................................................................................................... 118
Table 3.5.7 Rate Your Need for Instruction in general Writing Skills: Broken out by
approximate student family annual income ..................................................................................... 118
Table 3.5.8 Rate Your Need for Instruction in general Writing Skills: Broken out by
degree of religiosity of the survey participant ................................................................................ 119
Table 3.5.9 Rate Your Need for Instruction in general Writing Skills: Broken out by type
of political beliefs of the survey participant ..................................................................................... 120
Table 3.5.10 Rate Your Need for Instruction in general Writing Skills: Broken out by
college grades of the survey participant ............................................................................................ 120
Table 3.5.11 Rate Your Need for Instruction in general Writing Skills: Broken out by
current or likely college major of the survey participant............................................................ 121
Table 3.5.12 Rate Your Need for Instruction in general Writing Skills: Broken out by
gender of the survey participant ........................................................................................................... 121
Table 3.5.13 Rate Your Need for Instruction in general Writing Skills: Broken out for
students in public or private colleges ................................................................................................. 122
Table 3.5.14 Rate Your Need for Instruction in general Writing Skills: Broken out by type
of domestic housing arrangement of the survey participant ..................................................... 122
Table 3.5.15 Rate Your Need for Instruction in general Writing Skills: Broken out by
employment circumstance of the survey participant ................................................................... 123
Table 3.5.16 Rate Your Need for Instruction in general Writing Skills: Broken out by
sexual orientation of the survey participant .................................................................................... 123
Table 3.5.17 Rate Your Need for Instruction in general Writing Skills: Broken out by ACT
or SAT scores of the survey participant ............................................................................................. 124
Table 3.5.18 Rate Your Need for Instruction in general Writing Skills: Broken out by the
racial or ethnic identity of the survey participant ......................................................................... 124

14 | P a g e


Survey of American College Students: Research Skills Needs Evaluation

THE QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Please fill in the following contact information. If you win the drawing your Amazon
card will be sent to this email address.
A.
B.
C.

Name:
Name of College that You Attend:
Email Address:

2. How old are you? (answer in number of years) e.g., "19" 0r "23" Do not include
fractions or descriptive phrases such as "years old"
3. Choose the phrase which best describes where you grew up before you went to
college. If more than one answer applies to you, choose the one that you feel best
reflects who you believe that you are.
A.
B.
C.
D.

I grew up in a major city with more than 350,000 people
I grew up in a small or medium sized city with less than 350,000 people.
I grew up in a suburban area
I grew up in a rural area.

4. I grew up mostly in:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

The South
The Northeast
The Midwest
The West
in Canada
Abroad (other than Canada)

5. This semester I am a:
A.
B.
C.
D.

15 | P a g e

Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior

Survey of American College Students: Research Skills Needs Evaluation
6. The approximate annual income level of my family of origin (your Mom & Dad or
legal guardian) was:
For students over the age of 40 use your current family income.
A.
B.
C.
D.

Less than $45,000 per year
$45,000 to $80,000 per year
$80,000+ to $150,000 per year
More than $150,000 per year

7. How would you describe your relationship with organized religion?
A.

I practice a religion thoroughly and consider my religion to be a very important
part of my life.
B. I practice a religion and try to attend regular services and to participate as much
as I can.
C. I identify with a religion but can't say I put a lot of effort into practicing it.
D. I don't really believe in or practice an organized religion.
8. Choose the phrase that best describes your political views:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Very Left Wing
Liberal
Middle of the Road
Conservative
Very Right Wing

9. Which phrase best describes your college academic performance? (If you have not
yet received any grades choose what your tests and other experiences suggest will
be your grades)
A.
B.
C.
D.

16 | P a g e

A or A- average or more
B or B+ average
C or C+ average
D or D+ average or less


Survey of American College Students: Research Skills Needs Evaluation
10. Choose the phrase that best describes your academic major or likely major:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

G.

Business, Economics or Finance
Fine Arts or Performing Arts
Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Pre-Med, Nursing
Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science
Philosophy, History, English, Classics, Languages
Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Anthropology or other Social Science
Other (please specify)

11. You are:
A.
B.
C.

Male
Female
Transgender

12. Your college is:
A.
B.
C.

A public college
A private college
I'm not sure

13. Currently you live:
A.

B.
C.
D.
E.

At home with my parents or guardian
Off campus with others who are not my parents or guardian
Off campus alone
In Fraternity or Sorority Supplied Housing
On campus in the dorms or college-provided suites

14. Which phrase best describes your current employment situation:
A.
B.
C.

I don't have a full or part time job.
I have a part time job.
I have a full time job.

15. Which phrase best describes your sexual orientation?
A.
B.
C.
17 | P a g e

Heterosexual/Straight
Homosexual/Gay
Bisexual

Survey of American College Students: Research Skills Needs Evaluation
D. Other (please specify)
16. Which category best captures your highest overall SAT or ACT score? The SAT
score is based on the new 1600 point standard so if you were tested under the old
2400 point standard it would be 2/3 of this score.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

30 or over ACT or 1350 or over SAT
24-29 ACT or 1170 to 1349 SAT
20-23 ACT or 1050 to 1169 SAT
17-19 ACT or 900 to 1050 SAT
16 or Under ACT or Under 900 SAT
Never Took Either Test

17. Which phrase best describes your racial or ethnic identity?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

Caucasian
Black

Hispanic
Asian
American Indian/Indigenous
Mixed Race

18. Have you ever been required to turn in a paper exceeding approximately 10 double
spaced typed pages in length for any of your classes?
A.
B.
C.

Yes
No
Not Sure

19. When you need to do research for your courses, as an average, about what
percentage of the information that you need comes from the following sources:
A. general Google, Yahoo searches or other internet searches
B. Wikipedia or other wikis
C. Online Databases, e- books or online Journals offered through your college
library
D. books, magazines or other print resources offered through your college library
E. Other

18 | P a g e


Survey of American College Students: Research Skills Needs Evaluation
20. Rate Your Need for Instruction in the Following Areas
No need

at all

Organizing and
Structuring a Research
Paper
Researching a
Research Paper
Citations and
Footnoting
for a Research Paper
Spelling & Grammar
general Writing Skills

19 | P a g e

A little
need but I
can
handle it
myself

Not really
sure if I
need more
instruction

I need
I have a
some
need for

formal
significant
instruction
formal
in this
instruction
area
in this
area


Survey of American College Students: Research Skills Needs Evaluation

Characteristics of the Sample
The survey frame is comprised of full time students from 4-year colleges in the United
States excluding for-profit and special purpose colleges.
Carnegie class of the survey participant’s institution
#
401
353

BA
Master's Colleges
Doctoral Universities: Moderate and
Higher Research Activity
Doctoral Universities: Highest Research
Activity
Total

250

136
1140

How old are you? (answer in number of years) e.g., "19" 0r "23"Do not include fractions or
descriptive phrases such as "years old"

19 or younger
20
21
22
23-30
Over 30
Total

#
304
202
193
134
206
101
1140

Choose the phrase which best describes where you grew up before you went to college. If
more than one answer applies to you, choose the one that you feel best reflects who you
believe that you are.
#
I grew up in a major city with more
than 350,000 people
I grew up in a small or medium sized

city with less than 350,000 people.
I grew up in a suburban area
I grew up in a rural area.
Total

20 | P a g e

202
264
380
294
1140


Survey of American College Students: Research Skills Needs Evaluation
I grew up mostly in:

The South
The Northeast
The Midwest
The West
Abroad
Total

#
197
300
242
347
54

1140

This semester I am a:
#
237
246
255
402
1140

Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Total

The approximate annual income level of my family of origin (your Mom & Dad or legal
guardian) was? For students over the age of 40 use your current family income.

Less than $45,000 per year
$45,000 to $80,000 per year
$80,000+ to $150,000 per year
More than $150,000 per year
Income not specified
Total

#
245
347
362

165
21
1140

How would you describe your relationship with organized religion?
#
I practice a religion thoroughly and consider my religion to
be a very important part of my life.
I practice a religion and try to attend regular services and to
participate as much as I can.
I identify with a religion but can't say I put a lot of effort into
practicing it.
I don't really believe in or practice an organized religion.
Total

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194
164
354
428
1140


Survey of American College Students: Research Skills Needs Evaluation
Choose the phrase that best describes your political views:

Very Left Wing
Liberal
Middle of the Road

Conservative
Very Right Wing
No views specified
Total

#
117
409
393
196
20
5
1140

Which phrase best describes your college academic performance? (If you have not yet
received any grades choose what your tests and other experiences suggest will be your
grades)

A or A- average or more
B or B+ average
C or C+ average or less
Total

#
547
505
88
1140

Choose the phrase that best describes your academic major or likely major:

Business, Economics or Finance
Fine Arts or Performing Arts
Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Pre-Med, Nursing
Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science
Philosophy, History, English, Classics,
Languages, Education
Psychology, Sociology, Political Science,
Anthropology or other Social Science
Total

#
139
79
313
155
117
337
1140

You are:
Male
Female
Transgender
Total

22 | P a g e

#
389

730
21
1140


Survey of American College Students: Research Skills Needs Evaluation
Your college is:
A public college
A private college
Total

#
684
456
1140

Currently you live:

At home with my parents or guardian
Off campus with others who are not my
parents or guardian
Off campus alone
In Fraternity or Sorority Supplied Housing
On campus in the dorms or collegeprovided suites
Total

#
113
411
101

17
498
1140

Which phrase best describes your current employment situation?

I don't have a full or part time job.
I have a part time job.
I have a full time job.
Total

#
378
618
144
1140

Which phrase best describes your sexual orientation?

Heterosexual/Straight
Homosexual/Gay
Bisexual/Pansexual
Total

#
927
68
145
1140

Which category best captures your highest overall SAT or ACT score? The SAT score is
based on the new 1600 point standard so if you were tested under the old 2400 point
standard it would be 2/3 of this score.

30 or over ACT or 1350 or over SAT
24-29 ACT or 1170 to 1349 SAT
20-23 ACT or 1050 to 1169 SAT
17-19 ACT or 900 to 1050 SAT
16 or Under ACT or Under 900 SAT
Never Took Either Test
Total
23 | P a g e

#
302
419
236
77
6
100
1140


Survey of American College Students: Research Skills Needs Evaluation
Which phrase best describes your racial or ethnic identity?

Caucasian
Black
Hispanic
Asian

American Indian/Indigenous
Mixed Race
Total

24 | P a g e

#
862
47
93
59
9
70
1140


Survey of American College Students: Research Skills Needs Evaluation

SUMMARY OF MAIN FINDINGS
1. Have you ever been required to turn in a paper exceeding approximately 10 double
spaced typed pages in length for any of your classes?
Across the entire sample, 65.88% of respondents indicated they had been required to turn
in a paper longer than ten pages, while 30.96% had not.
Results by institution type
Students at institutions with Carnegie class Doctoral University: Highest Research Activity
were somewhat more likely to have done so (74.26%), as were students in private colleges
(69.96% vs. 63.16% for students in public colleges).
Results by demographic group
Black (78.72%), Asian (74.58%), and Hispanic (73.12%) students were most likely to
report having written a 10+ page paper, while mixed race (61.43%) and American

Indian/Indigenous students (55.56%) were least likely. Male respondents were slightly
more likely to report having written a 10+ page paper; 68.64% had done so, compared to
64.52% of women and 61.90% of transgender students.
Bisexual/Pansexual students were more likely to have done so (71.03%) than their gay
(69.12%) or straight (64.83%) counterparts. As one would expect, younger students
(46.71%) and freshmen (42.19%) were generally less likely to have written 10+ page
papers than older students (e.g. 86.58% of 22-year-olds and 83.58% of seniors).
Students who grew up in major cities (71.78%) or abroad (70.37%) were somewhat more
likely to have written a 10+ page paper than those who grew up in other places. Students
with family incomes over $150,000 per year (72.12%), students living off-campus other
than with parents/guardians (74.70%), students living in fraternity or sorority housing
(76.47%), and students with full-time jobs (77.78%) were more likely to have written 10+
page papers. Students who indicated their political views were very left wing (76.92%),
liberal (71.64%) or very right wing (70.00%) were more likely to have written a 10+ page
paper, while students with middle of the road (60.56%) or conservative (58.16%) views
were less likely.
Results by academic characteristics
Students majoring in psychology, sociology, political science, anthropology, or other social
science (73.59%) and philosophy, history, English, classics, or languages (70.94%) were
most likely to have written a 10+ page paper, while students majoring in fine or performing
arts (50.63%) and engineering, mathematics, or computer science (52.90%) were least
likely.
Responses to this question tracked with grades and test scores. 70.75% of students with
A/A- averages had written 10+ page papers, compared to only 48.86% of students with
C/C+ averages. Similarly, students reporting the highest ACT/SAT scores were more likely
to report having done so (74.17%), while those with the lowest scores were least likely
(16.67%). Students in the lower grade ranges may be avoiding classes with requirements
for 10-page+ papers.

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