Replication Study: Undergraduate Students Balancing Paid Semester Work and Study

Abstract

The current study of student semester­time paid work uses the questionnaire from the earlier by Manthei & Gilmore. They gathered data from an Education Faculty, 83 undergraduates using a questionnaire asking about degree study and part­time paid work while studying. They note in their article that there is no similar data in New Zealand (2005, p. 202). While a number of Australian studies can be found in the literature, the aim of the present study is in replicating Manthei and Gilmore’s work to provide additional New Zealand data and also to see whether findings are consistent with the polytechnic sector. Further, two developments, first, the move to cap university places, and second, tighten quality assurance focus on student achievement and retention, will have consequences for all institutions in the tertiary system. Measuring students’ part­time paid work is an important aspect in assessing consequences for students’ academic work, and policy settings that might follow. Whether the results differ or are similar, this research process widens out the evidential base of the earlier study. Manthei & Gilmore were at pains in the conclusion of their article to caution about over­generalisation from their one study.