Keywords

career decision, motivation, persistence

Abstract

During the past few decades, research on student retention has been primarily focused on the constructs of social integration, lack of financial support and academic under-preparedness (Astin, 1975; Bean & Metzner, 1985; Cabrera, 1993; Pascarella,1982; Tinto, 1975). This study examined the phenomenal occurrence of low retention due to "lack of major and career direction." The Career Decision Scale and the Achievement Motivation Profile assessments were administered to 105 students at a comprehensive community college. Six linear regressions were conducted to determine if there were statistical relationships between:(a) career decision and the motivation to persist and; (b) career indecision and the lack of motivation to persist. Of the three regressions conducted on career decision and motivation to persist; two of the scores from the motivation profile indicated that a statistical relationship existed, whereas the third score did not. Of the three regressions conducted on career indecision and the lack of motivation to persist; two scores from the motivation profile indicated a statistical relationship between career indecision and the lack of motivation to persist, whereas the third score was not statistically significant. Recommendations were made to community colleges and universities to cultivate an environment where major and career decision initiatives become a top priority for students. Suggestions included creating courses in career planning and one-on-one career counseling sessions.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2007

Semester

Fall

Advisor

Sivo, Stephen

Degree

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

College

College of Education

Department

Educational Studies

Degree Program

Curriculum and Instruction

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0001978

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0001978

Language

English

Release Date

December 2007

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

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