Factors Influencing Participation in Higher Education: Exploring the Factor Structure of a Questionnaire.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factor structure of a Factors Influencing Pursuit of Higher Education (FIPHE) Questionnaire which addresses factors influencing a person's decision to pursue higher education. Researchers used a literature-based, rational factors approach to develop the questionnaire; the three-part study included a pilot study to assess the internal consistency of the scales (e.g., evaluate mechanical aspects such as grammar, form, content, readability); a second study to validate the questionnaire; and a third study to evaluate the factor structure of the questionnaire. Study participants were students enrolled in general studies classes at two southeastern universities during spring 1997 and fall 1998 semesters. Internal consistencies were evaluated through a reliability analysis. Factor analysis revealed that the hypothesized structure of the questionnaire to be somewhat accurate, with the 9-factor solution as effective as the 10-factor solution in defining the set of variables. The results of the study suggested that the FIPHE questionnaire was a potentially useful instrument for investigating the factors that influence individuals to pursue higher education. (CH)