Gender, Popularity, Social Competence and Academic Achievement of In-School Adolescents in Nigeria

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to investigate the relationship that exists among popularity, social competence and academic achievement of in-school adolescents based on gender. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study, and the study used correlational research design. A total Sample of 400 (SS 11) students were selected from Umuahia Education zone in Nigeria for the study. Mean, Standard deviation and Simple Linear Regression were used in answering the research questions while Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used in testing the hypotheses stated at 0.05 level of significance. Results of the study showed that relationship between senior secondary school students’ popularity and academic achievement based on gender is low and there is low relationship between senior secondary school students’ social competence and academic achievement based on gender. There is no significant relationship between senior secondary school students’ social competence and academic achievement based on gender. Again there is the indication that significant relationship does not exist between senior secondary school students’ popularity and academic achievement based on gender.

Key words: popularity, social competence, adolescence, gender, academic achievement