Achieving a Passing Grade in an Undergraduate Statistics Course: Determinants From the Learning Environment

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 9
  In Poster Session: Current Research in Learning Environments

Abstract

Business statistics is known to be a “bottle-neck” course with a relatively high failure rate. This research investigates factors of the learning environment and attitude that could predict achieving a passing grade in such a course. A sample of 302 business students in a public university in Southern California were surveyed using previously developed instruments. Logistic regression was used with the dependent variable being a dichotomous variable with a value 1 if the student’s score is 70% or greater, and 0 otherwise. The results showed technology adequacy, task orientation, anxiety and perceived usefulness of the course were significant predictors of achieving a passing grade. The study highlights the importance of learning environment and attitude in students passing such courses.

Authors

• Michael Newby, California State University - Fullerton

• Thuyuyen Nguyen, California State University - Fullerton