Achievement orientation of aboriginal and white Australian adolescents

Abstract

This study was designed . to determine the degree and type of var iation in achievement orientation both between Aboriginal and white Australians and within each ethnic group, and is essentially exploratory in nature. Observations were made within a particular community in order to interpret the findings with reference to the relevant situational factors, and in particular to the opportunity structure. A multidisciplinary approach i s employed, and findings are interpreted with regard to social, cultural and psychological environmental factors. The research is viewed as an initial step both towards providing a greater understanding of the documented low educational attainments and the disproportionate concentration of Aborigines in the lowest sector of the stratification system, and towards an evaluation of the potential for achievement within the younger generation of Aborigines. Data was gathered through a number of standardized instruments. Conclusions were based on the findings from adolescent pupils attending state schools within the community. A ratio of three white pupils to one Aboriginal pupil (249:83) was tested.. The Aboriginal pupils were all those available within the schools. The white samples were selected by a stratified random procedure and consisted of 13% of the total school population. The principal techniques utilized for the analysis of the data were bivariate statistics, including t tests, and correlation coefficients. 2 The non-parametric statistic used was X. Multivariate analysis in the form of multiple correlations and regression was :also used. Throughout the study the .05 level of significance ( two tailed) was accepted. A number of predictions were derived from the theoretical framework adopted and from previous research findings. Predictions were formulated for the expected outcome of comparisons between certain of the samples.