Thesis Title: College Persistence, Academic Self-efficacy, Achievement and Dropout Intentions of College Students
Author: Almas Irfan
Supervisor: Naumana Amjad
Year: 2017
Degree: MPhil
University: Institute of Applied Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Corresponding Address: Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: chairperson@appsy.pu.edu.pk, Phone: 92-42-9231245
Abstract
Present study aimed to investigate why a large number of students from public sectors colleges dropout every year. It was hypothesized that college persistence, academic self-efficacy and academic achievement is negatively related to college dropout intensions. It was also hypothesized that academic self-efficacy and academic achievement are positively related to college persistence. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that academic self-efficacy and academic achievement are positively related to college persistence. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that academic self-efficacy and achievement would mediate the relationship between college persistence and dropout intentions. Correlational (cross sectional) research design was used. Sample consisted of 180 first year male college students and their age range was 16 to 20 years (M = 17.39, SD = .98). Participants were recruited from different colleges of Lahore, Rawalpindi and Jehlum and non-probability convenient sampling technique was employed. College Persistence Questionnaire (Davidson et al, 2009), Dropout Intension Scale (Camman, Fichman, Jenkins, & Klesh, 1979), Academic Self Efficacy Scale (Chemers, Hu, & Garcia, 2001) were used to collect data. Academic achievement was assessed by obtaining percentage of marks in matric annual examination. Results revealed that college persistence is positively related to academic self-efficacy and achievement. College persistence, academic self-efficacy and achievement are negatively related to dropout intentions. Academic selfefficacy and achievement also mediated relationship of college persistence and dropout intentions. Result from independent sample t-test revealed that humanities students had significant lower academic selfefficacy, lower achievement and higher dropout intentions. Moreover, students living in hostels were higher on persistence and low on dropout intentions. Results also revealed that financial strains negatively related to college persistence and positively related to dropout intentions. Present study can contribute to understanding of why a large amount the students leave an institute without obtaining formal degree. It can help educational institutions and college counselor to strengthen factors that prevent dropout from secondary education. Study can also help policymaker to reshape their strategies to promote secondary education in Pakistan.
Keywords: College persistence, dropout intentions, academic self-efficacy, academic achievement.
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