Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 12, 2026

Online Explorative Study on the Learning Uses of Virtual Reality Among Early Adopters
Published on: November 22, 2019
The role of universities in society
Michèle Belot1, Lea Cassar2, Karoline Ströhlein2
1Department of Economics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-3201, USA.
Abstract:
This study examines public views on universities' societal roles beyond education and research. A representative sample of 2089 U.S. citizens evaluates whether universities should engage in initiatives such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), free speech, and environmental sustainability, benchmarking views against corporations. We include an incentivized experiment asking respondents to allocate money between universities based on performance on various dimensions. Results show broad support for engagement in initiatives related to environmental sustainability, well-being, and free speech but opposition to political engagement. Views on DEI are polarized: Women and liberals reward universities excelling in DEI but conservatives and men penalize them, even when academic performance is equal. These findings highlight the polarization surrounding universities' societal roles.
More Related Videos
09:55Bridging the Technology Divide in the COVID-19 Era: Using Virtual Outreach to Expose Middle and High School Students to Imaging Technology
Published on: September 28, 2022
04:15Author Spotlight: Enhancing Engineering Education via WebVR-Based Online Laboratories
Published on: February 23, 2024
Related Concept Videos
The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
The Stanford Prison Experiment
Role-Based Identity
Role of Emotions in Social Life
Overview of Fungi
The Role of Culture