Adult Learners and Non-Learners: Demographic Characteristics as an Indicator of Psychographic Characteristics

Abstract

The problem to be studied was stated in terms of the following questions: What are the dif ferences and similarities in the demographic characteristics of adult learners and non-learners? Is there a related set of characteristics that will help the adult education program planner develop comprehensive adult education programs? Interviews were conducted with 232 subjects and the results subjected to discriminate analysis. It was found that income, education, age and occupa tional status were discriminating variables with less affluent, less educated, older individuals in low status occupations at the non-learner end of the continuum. The more affluent, better educated, younger individuals in higher status occupations grouped at the active learner end of the continuum. Several psychographic variables were found to be associated with the demographic profiles: orientation to future or past, time perspective, rational vs. emotional orientation, sense of freedom and choice, risk taking, concreteness of thought, reference group, and action orientation.