The influence of field dependence on college students' leadership attitudes and self-perceptions /
The intent of this study was to determine the influence of field-dependence (FD) and field-independence (FID) on students' leadership self-perceptions and attitudes following a collegiate leadership course. A secondary purpose was to determine the combination of factors which could predict stu...
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
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[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
1997.
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| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=739842061&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | The intent of this study was to determine the influence of field-dependence (FD) and field-independence (FID) on students' leadership self-perceptions and attitudes following a collegiate leadership course. A secondary purpose was to determine the combination of factors which could predict students' attitude prior to or following leadership training. The population was students enrolled and receiving credit in a collegiate leadership course. The sample was college students in a leadership course at Texas A&M University. Eighty-two students were enrolled; the responding sample included 67 students. The group was treated as a time, place sample. The class, offered each semester, was typical of classes from previous semesters. The conclusions of this study identified leadership characteristics of students prior to and following leadership training. Prior to leadership training, FD students had high self-perceptions of their ability to work with groups and they had a favorable attitude toward group-centered leadership. It was also discovered that a low self- perception of one's ability to work with groups predicted a leader-centered attitude and field-dependency predicted a group-centered attitude. Following training, student's perceptions of their ability to work with groups, communicate, lead, make decisions and understand themselves all increased. Also students had a more favorable attitude toward group-centered leadership and a less favorable attitude toward leader-centered leadership; however, change was not attributed to learning style. Therefore, there was a change in attitude as a result of leadership training and students should be able to relate to the group leadership paradigm. It was also discovered that FD students learned more in the area of decision making than FID students. But following leadership training, no variables were predictors of a leader-centered or a group-centered attitude. As a result of this study it is recommended that college students enroll in a course which teaches leadership theory and includes activities which simulate leadership problems. Prior to training, college students should complete the Group Embedded Figures Test to determine their field-dependency, and as a result, their attitude toward working in groups and leadership perceptions. Specifically, FID students should participate in a leadership course to enhance the self-perceptions toward working with groups. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Agricultural Education". |
| Physical Description: | xiii, 97 leaves ; 28 cm. Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilms Inc. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references: pages 86-90. |