The purpose of this study was to test a causal analytic model for predictors of course outcomes and a second causal model for predictors of continued participation in post-secondary education. The demographic characteristics were compared for students who continued to participate in post-secondary education and those who did not continue to participate in post-secondary education after completing ALNU 1100 Basics of Patient Care at East Tennessee State University. The two models selected for testing were Henry and Basile’s (1994) “Decision Framework” for students’ decisions to continue participation, and Donaldson and Graham’s (1999) “Model of College Outcomes for Adults”, which focused on student outcomes. A review of recent literature was also conducted to ascertain and further identify additional factors.
A descriptive correlational research design was used without any sampling (total population of interest was studied). The student population for this study consisted of all students who had enrolled and completed ALNU 1100 Basics of Patient Care course at East Tennessee State University. Causal models were developed using path analysis based on hierarchical multivariate linear and logistic regression. The factors that influenced student outcomes and continued participation in higher education were examined from the students’ perspectives, and causal models were constructed and presented in diagrammatic, tabular, and narrative form.
The main findings were that the causal models in the present study were not the same as either the Donaldson and Graham model or the Henry and Basile model. There were as many similarities as differences, however the similarities were striking in both cases. Results from this study revealed that students, who continued in education, were males with a higher education level than average. There was also a tendency for those with a few children and high household incomes to be associated with continued participation. The most important categorical predictor of continued participation in higher education was the students’ perceptions of deterrents, course attributes, and institutional reputation. The most important categorical predictor of student outcomes was psychological values of the student.
Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ETSU/oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-2041 |
Date | 01 May 2004 |
Creators | Webb, Melessia Dawn |
Publisher | Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University |
Source Sets | East Tennessee State University |
Detected Language | English |
Type | text |
Format | application/pdf |
Source | Electronic Theses and Dissertations |
Rights | Copyright by the authors. |
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