THE EFFECT OF STUDENT CHARACTERISTICS ON ACHIEVEMENT IN INTRODUCTORY MICROECONOMICS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

This paper uses OLS regression analysis to examine the effect of student characteristics on performance in Introductory Microeconomics at five South African universities. No consistent race-effects were found, but Indian students performed significantly worse than Whites at historically-White universities. Male students outperformed females in general. Older students did better at the historically-White institutions only. At one university, Black students who speak English as their home language outperformed those who are non-English speakers. Students who devoted more time to study outside formal classes did better in general. Greater verbal and mathematical ability had large and significant positive effects on student achievement.