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An Examination of Indicators of Engineering Students' Success and Persistence
Author(s) -
French Brian F.,
Immekus Jason C.,
Oakes William C.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal of engineering education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.896
H-Index - 108
eISSN - 2168-9830
pISSN - 1069-4730
DOI - 10.1002/j.2168-9830.2005.tb00869.x
Subject(s) - persistence (discontinuity) , logistic regression , psychology , multilevel model , rank (graph theory) , cognition , variables , regression analysis , statistics , mathematics , engineering , combinatorics , neuroscience , geotechnical engineering
Student success and persistence within the major and university were examined through hierarchical linear and logistic regression analyses for two cohorts of engineering students. Indicators of success and persistence were based on theoretical and empirical evidence and included both cognitive and noncognitive variables. Cognitive variables included high school rank, SAT scores, and university cumulative grade point average. Noncognitive factors included academic motivation and institutional integration. Outcome variables included grade point average, enrollment at the university, and status as an engineering major. Gender differences also were evaluated. Several significant relationships among the variables were found. For instance, increased levels of motivation were significantly related to continuing in the major. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.