An investigation of African American socialization influences on gender satisfaction as measured by the Noel-Levitz Inventory at selected peer, regional universities

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] The purpose of this study addressed the lack of information regarding satisfaction differences if any among African American students by gender, and college level. In order to accomplish this purpose, this study analyzed satisfaction differences existing in the information reported by students based on the Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory (SSI). Knowledge of how African American students differ from one another, by gender, and college level regarding their satisfaction with college experiences could assist college and university administrators in better efforts to ensure African American students are satisfied with their college experiences. The conceptual underpinning is gender socialization. Supportive literature highlights prior socialization agents' influences on gender satisfaction. This study utilized a non-experimental quantitative, methodology. Archival data were retrieved, with permission, from the colleges under study's databases. The dependent variable is 74 Student Satisfaction scale item statements from the Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory (Noel-Levitz, 1984). The independent variables are gender, and college level. Data were analyzed using the following statistical analysis procedures using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences v. 14: descriptive summary analysis, two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and discriminant analysis. The study found significant main and interaction effects of satisfaction and identified scale item variable clusters that predict membership in two demographic variables. The findings can be used to provide suggestions for future ways to promote satisfaction among African American students. Based on the findings, this study also provided recommendations for future studies.