An examination of Emotional Intelligence disparities between first-year B.Sc. Students choosing Physical Education and BCA students: a Comparative Analysis

Abstract

This research paper explores the dimensions of Emotional Intelligence (EI) among first-year college students in two distinct academic disciplines: Physical Education within the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) program and Computer Applications (BCA). Recognizing the potential impact of educational choices on emotional competencies, the study investigates whether students in these fields exhibit nuanced differences in EI. The focus arises from the divergent curricular emphases, with Physical Education emphasizing physical wellness, teamwork, and leadership, while BCA delves into the complexities of computer science. Emotional Intelligence is contextualized as a crucial factor in academic, personal, and professional realms, encompassing self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, motivation, and social skills. The objectives involve both analysis and comparison of EI between the two groups of students. The research employed a survey method with random sampling of 40 male students from Holkar Science College, Indore, aged 18-21. Emotional Intelligence was measured using the Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS) developed by Anukul Hyde, Sanjyot Pethe, and Upindar Dhar (2005). Descriptive statistics and the Independent T-test were applied for analysis. Results: reveal no significant differences in the ten factors of Emotional Intelligence between B.Sc. students in Physical Education and those pursuing BCA. The study concludes that, based on the statistical analysis, the chosen academic path does not lead to a significant variance in Emotional Intelligence levels among these first-year students. This finding contributes to our understanding of how different academic trajectories may not necessarily shape distinct emotional competencies during this crucial phase of higher education.