Abstract
One weakness of Tinto’s (1993) model is its inability to identify early dropouts (Webb, 1988), which may be due to the theory’s inattention to personality traits. Self-monitoring (Snyder, 1974) may be an important trait related to dropout. This study hypothesized low self-monitors, compared to high self-monitors would be more likely to (1) have higher initial commitment levels, (2) achieve higher academic integration, (3) accomplish greater social integration, and (4) persist in college. Path analysis confirmed all hypotheses. Self-Monitoring was demonstrated to be an important personal characteristic in Tinto's Theory. Application of theses findings are discussed.
Highlights
One weakness of Tinto’s model is its inability to identify early dropouts, which may be due to the theory’s inattention to personality traits
A number of quantitative studies have supported the validity of institutional integration to account for attrition, e.g., those performed by Getzlaf, Sedlacek, Kearney, and Blackwell [2], Munro, [3], Napoli and Wortman, [4], and Stinson and Walter [5]
This lack of early identification of potential dropouts might be explained by the fact that Tinto ignores personality traits in his theory
Summary
One weakness of Tinto’s model is its inability to identify early dropouts, which may be due to the theory’s inattention to personality traits. This study hypothesized low self-monitors, compared to high self-monitors would be more likely to (1) have higher initial commitment levels, (2) achieve higher academic integration, (3) accomplish greater social integration, and (4) persist in college. Studies by Webb [6] and Halpin [7] reviewed the Tinto model and concluded that it was inadequate if the intent is to identify potential dropouts as early as possible This lack of early identification of potential dropouts might be explained by the fact that Tinto ignores personality traits in his theory. One personality trait hypothesized to identify students likely to commit and persist is self-monitoring, proposed by Snyder [8]. They are likely to feel relatively unconstrained about opportunity wherever it may be found, whereas low self-monitors are likely to be more committed to current commitments
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
