Date of Award
12-1-2010
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Komarraju, Meera
Abstract
The aim of the current study was to explore the effects of non-cognitive variables in predicting GPA, institutional commitment, and retention in a sample of African American college students. Specifically, the researcher examined the validity in measuring and utilizing culture specific factors in identifying and intervening with first-year college students. Participants were given measures of positive self-concept, cultural mistrust, cultural congruity, managing discrimination, seeking help, educational value, and financial preparation in addition to a standard measure of non-cognitive predictors. Additionally, participants received one of three interventions (waitlist-control, academic advising, and culturally infused academic advising) with the intent to improve non-cognitive functioning. Analyses of the results suggest that cultural components significantly impact student performance and institutional commitment. No evidence was found to support a change in retention. Implications of these finding and limitations to this study are discussed.
Access
This dissertation is only available for download to the SIUC community. Current SIUC affiliates may also access this paper off campus by searching Dissertations & Theses @ Southern Illinois University Carbondale from ProQuest. Others should contact the interlibrary loan department of your local library or contact ProQuest's Dissertation Express service.