My Instructor Made Me Do It: Task Characteristics of Procrastination

Procrastination can have a negative effect on learning. Many previous studies have examined personality factors that contribute to procrastination. This study examines selected assignment characteristics controllable by the instructor that might influence student procrastination. Results found less procrastination on assignments that were perceived as interesting, that required students to use a variety of skills, for which students perceived social norms and rewards for starting promptly, and for which the instructor provided clear instructions. Procrastination was not affected by fear, deadline pressure from other assignments, or the degree to which the task was perceived as difficult or time consuming.