AN ANALYSIS OF FRESHMAN STUDENTS' PERCEPTIONS OF THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT, BEHAVIOR AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN THE RESIDENCE HALL SYSTEMS OF TWELVE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Abstract
This study analyzed differences between freshman students' perceptions of their living environments, behavior, and academic performance in the six residence hall arrangements most commonly found for freshmen on college compuses. These were freshmen-men's, feshmen-women's, freshmen-coed, freshmen-upperclass-men's, freshmen-upperclass-women's, and freshmen-upperclass-coed residence halls. Twelve smaller, liberal arts-oriented institutions participated in this study. This cluster of institutions generated a total group of 59 residence halls. Each residence hall housed freshmen and was one of the six types commonly used for first year students. During the 1983 fall term, 2,200 freshmen completed the University Residence Environment Scale (URES) and a questionnaire designed to obtain information about their behaviors at college. The URES measured students' perceptions about the degree of emotional support, independence, traditional social orientation, internal competition, academic achievement, intellectuality, order and organization, and student influence in their residence hall living arrangements. The questionnaire asked about their participation in student clubs and organizations, drinking behavior, use of the health center, and preference for either all-freshmen or freshmen-upperclass housing. Finally, participating colleges reported freshman GPAs at the conclusion of the fall term. Statistical analysis of data revealed significant differences between residence hall types in student perceptions of emotional support, internal competition, student influence, and innovation. No residence hall type-effect was found for behavior or fall term GPA. It was recommended that institutions house freshman men in freshmen-coed or freshmen-upperclass-coed residence halls and freshman women in freshmen-coed, freshmen-upperclass-women's or freshmen-uuperclass-coed residence halls. Further research was suggested to determine the reasons for significant differences in the living environments of liberal arts and comprehensive colleges.
Degree
Ph.D.
Subject Area
Academic guidance counseling
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.