Evaluating Factors Affecting University Students’Academic Performance by using Structural Equation Model

Abstract

Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) is a multivariate statistical analysis technique used to analyse structural relationships that exist between indicated variables. Works on SEM commonly used analysis of moment structures (AMOS) and SPSS. In this article, we present the coding in statistical analysis software (SAS) as alternative to AMOS, in particular the factor analysis, reliability test, and path analysis. These analyses are conducted to measure academic performance among student in higher learning institution. The finding showed that in factor analysis, Kaiser’s measure of sampling adequacy is 0.8244, which indicated a good sampling adequacy. In reliability test, the Cronbach’s alpha values (>0.6) indicate that each factor involved in the study is reliable and valid. From the path analysis value, five factors, i.e. lecturer’s assistance and motivation, self-determination, student’s habit, universities facilities and services, and parents and friends’ support were found to be approximately equal in term of degree of affecting the academic performance among students.

Keywords

• Structural Equation Modelling
• Academic Performance
• factor analysis