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Learning Outcomes in an Introductory Sociology Course: The Role of Learning Approach, Socio-Demographic Characteristics, Group and Teacher Effects

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  • Péter Miskolczi

    (Budapest Business School, Corvinus University of Budapest, 1149 Budapest, Hungary)

  • Márton Rakovics

    (Eötvös Loránd Science University, Corvinus University of Budapest, 1117 Budapest, Hungary)

Abstract

The article discusses a study on learning outcomes in an introductory Sociology course in a higher education setting. A quantitative model similar to education production functions is hypothesized. Independent variables include socio-demographic and psychological ones, as well as others pertaining to the learning environment. Learning is measured with the binary categories of “deep” and “surface” outcomes, which are qualitatively different, and are based on the comparison of mind maps drawn by students at the beginning and end of their first semester. Questionnaire data was collected from 264 first-year students of a Social Science Faculty. Significant effects on learning outcome are found for family background, major area of study, and teacher’s gender.

Suggested Citation

  • Péter Miskolczi & Márton Rakovics, 2018. "Learning Outcomes in an Introductory Sociology Course: The Role of Learning Approach, Socio-Demographic Characteristics, Group and Teacher Effects," Societies, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-20, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:8:y:2018:i:1:p:4-:d:126165
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. John Ermisch & Marco Francesconi, 2001. "Family Matters: Impacts of Family Background on Educational Attainments," Economica, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 68(270), pages 137-156, May.
    3. repec:bla:econom:v:68:y:2001:i:270:p:137-56 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Hanushek, Eric A, 1986. "The Economics of Schooling: Production and Efficiency in Public Schools," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 24(3), pages 1141-1177, September.
    5. Bamberger, Peter & Biron, Michal, 2007. "Group norms and excessive absenteeism: The role of peer referent others," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 103(2), pages 179-196, July.
    6. Miskolczi Péter & Király Gábor & Kovács Kinga Emese & Lovas Yvette & Pálóczi Bence, 2016. "Fogalmak mentén : hallgatói gondolattérképek alkalmazása oktatási újítás vizsgálatára," Prosperitas, Budapest Business University, vol. 3(2), pages 111-132.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sandro Serpa & Carlos Miguel Ferreira, 2018. "Training Models and Practices in Sociology," Societies, MDPI, vol. 8(3), pages 1-3, July.

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