The primary purpose of this research study was to determine if scores from a measure of self-reported motivation, the Academic Motivation Scale (AMS), increased ability to predict persistence during the student's first 2 years of college. This scale was designed by Robert Baker of Clark College (Massachusetts) and was designed specifically to measure academic motivation to succeed in college. This study examined contribution of the AMS to the prediction of attrition after controlling for the traditional variables used in predicting college performance. These variables included the Scholastic Aptitude Test scores, high school percentile rank, gender, and socioeconomic status of the family.A sample of 221 matriculating college freshmen from intact classes were used in this study. Random assignment of the classes assured a representative sample.A regression analysis was used to determine what contribution scores on the AMS made to the prediction of attrition when the traditionally used variables (Sex, SES, SATV, SATM) were held constant. The conclusion of the analysis revealed that the AMS did not add significantly to the prediction of attrition in this study. / Department of Educational Psychology

This study focusses on the examination of the recorded absences of compulsory age students. The main purpose was to identify emergent patterns of school non-attendance, critical periods of absences and key factors within and beyond the school that might contribute to school non-attendance and the impact such non-attendance has on student achievement and perceptions of schooling.A review of literature on school non-attendance was undertaken and presented to highlight the number of factors that are often linked with non-attendance. As a result of the literature review a comprehensive list of factors for further investigation was distilled and a conceptual framework was developed. It was this conceptual framework, together with the research questions, that guided the research design and the subsequent collection and analysis of data.The research was undertaken in Perth, Western Australia utilising one State Government secondary school and five of its contributory (or feeder) primary schools. The research constituted a retrospective study spanning seven years (1989 to 1995 inclusive) incorporating the complete attendance records of 61 students.The first phase of the study involved the establishment of an empirical database developed from records compiled by the five feeder schools and the secondary school under study. Data derived from the schools were analysed to establish the patterns of non-attendance and trends.The second phase involved a series of case studies in which student perceptions on school non-attendance were investigated alongside the student's characteristics and attendance patterns in order to provide greater insight into key factors contributing to school non-attendance.The case studies not only provided greater insight into key factors contributing to school non-attendance but also the impact non-attendance had on the educational outcomes of the deemed ++ / 'at risk' students.Finally, the thesis provides a number of conclusions and action statements to all key stakeholders including the schools at the centre of this research, policy makers within the State Government Education Department, parents, and personnel from other schools within Western Australia, for future action and continuing research. There is a collective responsibility to ensure all students maximise their learning outcomes through the educational programs provided in the schooling system.The study also has the potential to provide a framework at both the national and international level as the outcomes of this research have potential significance for a number of interested organisations involved in providing educational and other programs for 'at risk' students.

Thesis PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S. Ed.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1992. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 66-68). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1994. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 57-63). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Chicago, 1941. / Lithoprinted. "Privated edition, distributed by the University of Chicago libraries, Chicago, Illinois." Bibliography: p. 186-190.

Thesis (B.A.)--Haverford College, Dept. of Economics, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--Rowan University, 2008. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--Rowan University, 2009. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (B.A.) - University of Queensland, 2003. / Includes bibliography.