Study: Proven Diversity and Inclusion Learning

Our study provides promising and novel evidence of the impact of online diversity education.

There is limited research on online diversity education; previous studies have not tested an online diversity education program for college students. We conducted a longitudinal randomized controlled study to test the short-term and long-term impact of DiversityEdu on college student diversity knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. The study sample included 127 U.S. college students.

Evidence of the Effects of DiversityEdu on College Students

Knowledge

College students demonstrated increased knowledge of diversity skills and concepts after completing the course.

Attitudes

College students reported increased awareness of diversity issues, an increased belief in the value of diversity, and an increased belief in their ability to utilize diversity skills.

Behaviors

After taking the course, college students reported they were more likely to engage with diversity, and intervene during microaggressions.

Increased Knowledge of Diversity Skills and Concepts

DiversityEdu course takers demonstrated a significant increase in learning after completing the course, when compared to the control group.

Increased Awareness of Diversity Issues

DiversityEdu course takers reported significantly increased awareness of diversity issues after completing the course, when compared to the control group.

Increased Belief in Ability to Utilize Diversity Skills

DiversityEdu course takers reported significantly increased self-competence with diversity skills after completing the course, when compared to the control group.

More Likely to Intervene During Microaggressions

DiversityEdu course takers reported they were significantly more likely to intervene during a microaggression after completing the course, when compared to the control group.

Long-Term Behavioral Impact of DiversityEdu

DiversityEdu course takers reported being significantly more likely to intervene during a microaggression three months after completing the course, when compared to the control group.