Enkele kognitiewe faktore en akademiese prestasie van HOD(N)–studente met 'n geesteswetenskaplike agtergrond

Abstract

This investigation has been undertaken to determine whether a correlation exists between the cognitive factors, final standard ten examination mark and aptitude, as measured by the Senior Aptitude Test on the one hand and academic achievement in HDE-post graduate in the Humanities field of study on the other hand. For this investigation the test group was the 1981-intake of students at the PU for CHE who studied in the hutr.ani ties field of study and completed their studies at the end of 1984. The theoretical background of the investigation was obtained by the study of authoritative literature regarding the cognitive and non-cognitive factors which have an influence on academic achievement. An ex post facto-approach was used for the experimental design. The data used was obtained from the Senior Aptitude Test and the final standard ten examin8.tion marks of the students concerned as well as their final academic achievement in the HDE-post graduate course. The data has been analysed by means of a computer programme. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the combined and individual influence of the independant variables (Senior Aptitude Test and final standard ten examination mark) on the dependant variable (HDE-achievement). From the results of the investigation it becomes clear that the combined and separate influence of the independant variables on the dependant variable is very low and of no significant practical value for the prediction of academic success.

The conclusion can thus not be drawn that the Senior Aptitude Test and final standard ten examination mark are good predictors of academic achievement in a post graduate HDE-course in the humanities field of study. Various factors, cognitive as well as non-cognitive, should be used in combination for the best prediction of academic achievement at tertiary level.