Self-regulation of online homework behavior: using latent profile analysis to identify online homework management profiles

Abstract

The aim of this investigation is to identify different profiles of undergraduates based on online homework management strategies: arranging the environment, managing time, monitoring motivation, cognitive reappraisal, emotion management, and handling distraction. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was applied to investigate online homework management profiles of 612 undergraduates in China. Five different profiles were found: Very Low Except for Handling Distraction, Very Low Handling Distraction/High with Other Strategies, Low Across All Strategies, Moderate Low Across All Strategies, and High Across All Strategies. Results revealed that profile membership was predictive of online homework effort and completion. This study offered new insights into self-regulation of homework behaviour in online learning environments, by suggesting that handling online distraction functions differently from other homework management strategies.