Underlying reasons behind the achievement of successful university students: A phenomenological inquiry

Abstract

Success is a concept on which various studies are carried out and is critical in attaining goals and shaping our future. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors behind the achievement of academically successful university students. A qualitative phenomenological research design was adopted in this qualitative study. The phenomenological pattern can be used to focus on phenomena about which we don't have a complete grasp. The study focused on the phenomenon of success and the perception of this phenomenon was investigated in depth. Extreme and deviant case sampling, which is one of the purposeful sampling methods, was employed. Among the senior students enrolled in a higher education institution in the Western Black Sea Region, the students who are in the top five of their departments according to their GPA constitute the participants of this study. Interviews were conducted and recorded with a total of 17 successful students from three faculties and two colleges voluntarily. The data of the study were collected through an information form in which the students declared their personal information and a semi-structured interview form prepared to reveal the reasons behind their success. As a result, the reasons behind the success of the students point to five themes. These were determined as responsibility, motivation, support, academic skills and social skills.

Keywords

• academic achievement
• successful university students
• reasons for success