Personality Determinants of Achievement in Mathematics among Senior Secondary School Students in Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, Nigeria
Keywords:
Mathematics, academic achievement, Personality factorsAbstract
This study constructs and tests a six (6) variable model (neuroticism, extroversion, openness,
conscientiousness, agreeableness, and self-concept) in senior secondary schools as a basis to provide
a causal explanation for achievement in Mathematics. It was an ex-post facto and causalcomparative research in the North West (Ikot Ekpene) Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State,
Nigeria. The population comprises all the public secondary school students in the Senatorial District.
A simple random sampling technique was used to select 600 students from 10 secondary schools
purposively selected from 10 local government areas. The personality factor scale and Mathematics
achievement test were the instruments for data collection. The results indicated that the most
meaningful causal model had 16 significant pathways. The pattern of the original correlation was
consistent with Udoukpong’s model of students’ personality factors as determinants of achievement
in senior secondary school Mathematics. Four (4) personality factors (self-concept, neuroticism,
openness, and extroversion) directly or indirectly determine senior secondary school students’
achievement in Mathematics. It therefore recommends the causal order in Udoukpong’s model of
students’ personality factors to boost academic achievement in Mathematics.
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