Recreational reading habits of traditional undergraduate students in the United States

Abstract

Previous research has resulted in confusion over whether traditional college-aged students are taking on recreational reading, or the process of reading for fun in a setting outside of work or class. Furthermore, no generalizable relationship between recreational reading and academic achievement in college (in the form of GPA) has yet been established, though current literature seems to predict that this may be the case. Plenty has been studied about motivational tactics and attitudes towards reading in younger age groups, but almost no attention has been paid to 18-25 year olds, the section of the population in which recreational reading as a hobby is decreasing the most. These topics will be addressed through a multi-modal, three-contact survey implementation design on a budget of $7,500, should this proposal be put into motion. In its current form, this research project is purely a hypothetical exercise and has not been implemented. Additionally, the variables of race, class, gender, and university standing will addressed in terms of how they are related to which respondents choose to take on recreational reading as a hobby.