Developing Causal Model of Some Psycho-academic and School Variables for Mathematics Achievement in Junior Secondary Schools in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Keywords:
Causal Model, psycho-academic and school variables, mathematics, achievementAbstract
This research work was designed to develop a causal model of some psychoacademic and school variables as they interact with students' performance in Mathematics. Three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. This expost facto research employed stratified random sampling technique in selecting a
total of 853 (407 males and 446 females) from 20 secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State. The study made use of two researcher developed and standardized instruments namely - 40-item Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT) and a Student Psycho-academic Information Questionnaire (SPAIQ). Data generated from these instruments were analyzed using the path analysis technique. Result of the findings generated a model with fourteen significant path ways which could be used to explain students' performance in Mathematics. The most meaningful causal model as well as direct and indirect effects of the psycho academic and school variables on students' performances in Mathematics were to be established. Furthermore, school location, school proprietorship, attitude towards Mathematics and study habit was found to have a direct and significant causal effect on Mathematics performance. It was recommended that a similar research should be carried out on the other compulsory subjects - Integrated Science and Social Studies at the Junior Secondary School level.
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