Feeder 2.2

At a university such as Chapel Hill, the rigorous curriculum requires that students study for their classes. Whereas, some students may choose to study within their dorm rooms, others may prefer to study where there are more students such as a coffee shop. The preferences that college students demonstrate by choosing places to study might provide some insight into their personalities, such as whether they are more extroverted or introverted, as well as showing their personal study habits. The microculture that will be observed will be the students that choose to study in the coffee shop called Caribou Coffee located on Franklin Street. I have personally observed this microculture gathered in groups to study when I have been to Caribou Coffee getting a warm beverage, and I have always wondered if it is beneficial to study with fellow classmates. Whereas I prefer an isolated, quiet environment, this microculture seems to thrive in the social setting of Caribou Coffee; they are able to study in an environment that has many distractions that would make it impossible for me to focus. Based off of initial observations, these students tend to be more extroverted, social and group oriented. For example, when one member of the group decides to get coffee, the other members follow suit. Therefore, the atmosphere of the coffee shop tends to attract more extroverted students when it comes to choosing a study environment.

The hypothesis that will be tested is that the students who choose to study in the coffee shop called Caribou Coffee prefer a more social environment in which they can interact with peers within a group, instead of studying individually; therefore, these students demonstrate more extroverted qualities. This hypothesis will shed light on how a preference for a certain studying environment provides insight on whether a person has the qualities of an extrovert or introvert; a student who prefers a social studying atmosphere may be more social himself. The hypothesis will also provide the university with information about the study environments in which these students feel most comfortable. This will allow the university to address the needs of all students outside of those who prefer dorm rooms and libraries. Thus, the university will be able to provide a more convenient learning environment for all students.