Examination of Outliers as Mediator Variables Between Resiliency and Academic Performance

Abstract

In the higher educational setting measures have been initiated to aid college students in overcoming various setbacks and hindrances that can limit them from academically performing well. Extant literature pointed out the significant role of resilience in addressing the concerns of the college students, such as drop-out rates, academic failure, high perceived stress, low school engagement, and poor sense of psychological wellness. Different variables emerge after data analysis were helpful in understanding the deviant points or outliers/distinct. With this, the present study aims to determine the outliers’ profile, resiliency component scores, General Weighted Average (GWA) and outliers’ detection criteria and; examining outliers using Stem-and-Leaf plots and Scattered Diagram and explored outliers’ distinct characteristics or emerging themes. The present study assessed 560 students and yielded 15 data outliers/distinct that appeared in Stem-and-Leaf plots and Scattered Diagrams. Eleven (11) outliers/distinct were identified as mild outliers/distinct, and four were extreme outliers/distinct after the observation was conducted. It is evident that four (4) extreme scores were described with very low academic performance, but the resiliency score fell into average to high resiliency values. The present study is vital in understanding resiliency and academic performance in the present context thus recommends the exploration of mediator variables namely students' innate intelligence and resiliency behaviors are product of extreme experiences that may affect the relationship between resiliency and academic performance.

Keywords

• Resiliency, Data outliers, Sequential explanatory mixed-method, Psychology, Philippines