Effiom Etim Effiong, Ann Obela Imong & Aricha Simon Ajah
Abstract
This study investigated psychosocial variables as correlates of achievement in Biology among Senior Secondary School Students in Calabar Education Zone, Cross River State. One hypothesis was formulated to direct the study. Correlational research design was adopted for the study. A sample of 456 Biology students was randomly drawn for the study. The selection was done through stratified simple random sampling technique. The instruments for data collection were the researchers-developed Psychosocial Correlates Scale (PCS) and Achievement Test in Biology (ATB). The instruments were validated by three experts. Cronbach Alpha and Kuder-Richardson formulae were used to establish the reliability of the instruments. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis was the statistical technique adopted to test the hypothesis at .05 level of significance. The results of the analysis revealed that test anxiety and motivation to study biology significantly relate to students’ achievement in biology, while self concept, attitude and age do not. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended, among others, that counsellors should be posted to schools to help students with test anxiety disorder.