Open Praxis (Mar 2010)
A Psychometric Study in the Performance of Distance learners
Abstract
The paper shares the changing cantors in the studies on performance of distance learners and highlights the omission of psychological variables in the process. Based on an empirical study on an array of 12 variables, including psychological variables emerging from the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, Lyn’s Achievement Motivation Test and Bell’s Adjustment Inventory, the paper discusses the role of various variables, with a special focus on ‘Social Desirability’, ‘Achievement Motivation’, ‘Emotional Adjustment’, ‘Age’ and ‘Previous Academic Score’ in distinguishing between ‘Completers’ and ‘Non-completers’ of the courses. And finally the paper puts forth some suggestions for ensuring a better ‘completion rate’ for distance learners.
