McQuiston, Leanne K. (2024) Demographic Factors and Intrinsic Motivation as Predictors of University Student Attendance at Synchronous Classes. Honours thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
University class attendance is declining, having detrimental effects on students, teachers, and universities. Existing literature around reasons for non-attendance focuses mainly on oncampus and school-leaver age students, however, the number of mature-aged students and students studying online has increased. This study aimed to 1) identify the main reasons for non-attendance at synchronous classes, comparing online and on-campus students, and 2) examine whether gender, school-leaver status, hours of employment per week and Intrinsic Motivation impact attendance for online and on-campus students. Undergraduate students enrolled in School of Psychology and Wellbeing programs at the University of Southern Queensland (N = 248) completed an online survey measuring attendance at synchronous classes, reasons for non-attendance, Intrinsic Motivation, and demographic factors. Analysis revealed similar reasons for non-attendance for both groups, having access to online resources and having to work the most influential. No gender differences in attendance were found, however, contrary to predictions, students of school-leaver age reported significantly higher attendance. Hours of employment was a significant predictor of attendance for online but not on-campus students. Intrinsic Motivation was not a significant predictor of attendance for either group. Findings suggest online students (mostly mature age) find work and personal commitments a barrier to attendance. Universities should partner with students in course design to embed student learning needs, including flexibility, in the pedagogical approach. Further research is necessary to examine the role of student Intrinsic Motivation, considering engagement as a measure of participation and impact on academic achievement.
|
Statistics for this ePrint Item |
| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Honours) |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Current – Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Psychology and Wellbeing (1 Jan 2022 -) |
| Supervisors: | Dr Jeffries, Carla |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Psychology) |
| Date Deposited: | 28 Jan 2026 01:41 |
| Last Modified: | 28 Jan 2026 01:41 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | attendance, intrinsic motivation, online, on-campus |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1701 Psychology > 170106 Health, Clinical and Counselling Psychology |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5203 Clinical and health psychology > 520304 Health psychology |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/53106 |
Actions (login required)
 |
Archive Repository Staff Only |
