The Influence of Extrinsic Factors on Subject Selection among Intermediate Students

Abstract

This research was conducted to assess the extrinsic sources, that affect students’ choices of subjects at the intermediate level regarding the jobs available, repertoire in the society, and further education opportunities. The study was undertaken among first year male and female students from the sciences and arts streams of public and private institutions in District Mianwali. Data was collected using the structured questionnaires and t-tests and Spearman’s rho correlation in the use of SPSS. The study found that extrinsic motivations played a major role in choosing subjects. The factors like, probability of having a job in the future, the need for a job according to the contemporary world, the advancement to the higher level of education, and media play instrumental role in making subject choices by the students. Nevertheless, factors like gender biases, merit limitations, career guidance and constraints of school environment also played a role. According to the findings, the external factors exert a significant influence of the academic options, underlining the need for further enhancement of career counselling, as well as comprehensive supportive measures on the level of the learning establishments and the government. The study was conducted only in district Mianwali of the Punjab province hence results could be applied with limited scope and could not be applied in other areas until in future, researchers repeat it in the other districts and provinces too. The study is an addition to the theory of learning and will be equally beneficial to the government functionaries of the education department in planning and management of the educational policies and strategies.