A Study on the Information Dilemma in Academic Decision-Making Among Cross- Cultural High School Students: A Case Analysis Based on a U.S. High School

Abstract

This study aims to explore the issue of information asymmetry and its impact mechanisms in the academic decision-making processes of newly arrived cross-cultural students and local students in the U.S. high school context. Employing a mixed-methods case study design, the research was conducted in a diverse private high school in South Florida. Qualitative data analysis was performed on in-depth interviews and survey responses from 30 students. The findings reveal that the fragmentation of the school’s official information system is a common issue. However, cross-cultural newcomers, due to language barriers, lack of cultural capital, and weakened family support, find themselves deeper in an “information island” dilemma, leading to a high reliance on informal peer information networks, which significantly increases the risk and uncertainty of their academic decisions. In contrast, local students can effectively filter and correct information using their cultural capital and family support. Based on these findings, this study constructs an “information-social network-decision” impact mechanism model and proposes systematic policy recommendations for schools to build a supportive information ecosystem.