Using Theory of Planned Behaviour to Understand Students’ Perception in Gap Year

Abstract

The high competitive work environment required student not only learn the knowledge and current skill through classroom, they also need opportunity to practice their learned knowledge from classroom. Therefore, gap year program is the bridge to increase and explore students' experience. The current study use Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior (TPB) to examine the intentions of diploma students toward taking gap year and also investigate the current students’ perception on taking a gap year. Questionnaire was used to investigate the purpose of the study. Multiple regression analyses supported the predictive validity of the theory in this context, with the three predictor variables (attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control) accounting for 73% of the variance in students’ intentions to take gap year. Our results indicated that perceived behavioral control and subjective norm were significant related with intention to taking gap year but the attitude was not significant related with intention to taking gap year. Based on result, we found most of the student in Malaysia are not aware the gap year program in Malaysia. If they are given opportunity, most of them agreed to join the gap year program. Limitations of present study are discussed. Implications of the findings and areas for future research are also presented.