Examining predictors for PhD students’ program completion in Makerere University using Tinto’s Model.

Abstract

The study examined Predictors for PhD students’ Program Completion in Makerere University Using Tinto’s Model. Using cross-sectional and phenomenological designs, 104 PhD students filled the SAQ while seven were interviewed. Analysis was done using Pearson Linear Correlation Coefficient (PLCCs), and Multiple Linear Regression analyses (MLR). Qualitative data was analysed using a theoretical thematic analysis. Three Hypotheses (H1-H3), were tested. Results revealed that, the individual characteristics variables in Tinto’s model do not jointly positively significantly predict program completion of a PhD student since six of the eight sub-hypotheses were rejected. Social integration variables in Tinto’s model do not jointly positively significantly predict program completion of a PhD student since four of the five sub-hypotheses were rejected. Academic integration variables in Tinto’s model do not jointly positively significantly predict program completion of a PhD student since one of the two sub-hypotheses was rejected. Therefore, all the three research hypotheses (H1-H3) were not supported, therefore accepting the Null hypotheses. The qualitative results confirmed the quantitative results especially because some PhD students emphasized family support, planning, and job retention. Others disclosed that fears actually kept them behind for some time until when they were talked to by the supervisors, whereas some were proud of having done their PhD in a flagship University, others lamented whether the University was interested in having their PhD related norms known to PhD students. Therefore they did not all agree on the same variables just like the quantitative inference. Key Words: Predictors, Program Completion.