Explanatory Factors for Academic Performance of University Students:A Mixed Method Approach

The case under investigation was a private university which had recorded falling academic performances of their final year students over the years. The purpose of the study was to explain the factors that might have caused the trend. A mixed method approach, the type described as a sequential explanatory was used as a strategy to address the research questions. First a quantitative study, using a hierarchical multilevel regression analysis determined the contribution of the independent factors, which included a first test, to a second test which was the dependent factor, followed by a qualitative research based on a free- listing and a consequent focus interview. The results of the first study showed small impact of the first test on the second. Whilst school factors accounted for large explanation, that of school factors was small, necessitating the second study based on qualitative study on school factors. The implications for the outcomes are given under the appropriate section of the study.