Factors influencing the academic achievement of a select group of university students as revealed by standardized tests

• Main Author: Ortiz, Lucila R.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 1980
• Subjects: Academic achievement; Educational Psychology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/840
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study determines the factors that significantly influence the academic performance of freshmen commerce students of the University of Santo Tomas (UST).A descriptive research design employing a combination of survey and correlation method was used in this study. Descriptive statistics used were frequencies, mean percentile rank and standard deviations. Correlation method was used to determine the association between academic achievement in terms of Grade Point Average (GPA) as the dependent variable and each of the independent variables. Involved in this study were 175 samples of UST Commerce freshmen students who were enrolled in the school year 1978-1979, comprising 10 per cent of the total population taken through random sampling. Four standardized psychological tests to measure the variables under study were employed. They are: (1) Otis Quick Scoring Test of Mental Ability, (2) Study Habits and Attitudes, (3) California Test of Personality, and (4) Mooney Problem Check List. The student's GPA was used as basis for measuring academic achievement.On the basis of the findings, conclusions were stated as follows:1. The UST College of Commerce freshmen students although belonging to the average level in terms of mental ability are found deficient in their over-all study habits and attitudes and total personality adjustment. Concerning problems, they are most bothered by the problem concerning adjustment to college work. 2. Factors that are found significantly related with academic achievement of freshmen students of the UST College of Commerce indicate that:a. Students who are likely to achieve better in academic performance are disposed to be more intelligent.b. Students having better study habits and attitudes tend to obtain higher academic rating.c. The lesser the student's problems, the better is his academic performance.3. Three variables are found significantly correlated with academic achievement and found predictive of academic success. Arranged from highest to lowest of importance, they are: Mental Ability (IQ)Freedom from ProblemsStudy Orientation4. Among the predictive factors of academic achievement, Mental Ability yields the highest predictor index.