Masters Theses

Date of Award

6-1972

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Agricultural Extension

Major Professor

Cecil Carter Jr

Committee Members

Robert S. Dotson, George S. Foster

Abstract

This study was concerned with the problem of low participation in 4-H events and activities among the junior high 4-H audience in Cannon County, Tennessee. Data were collected through group interviews from all seventh, eighth and ninth grade boys and girls in Cannon County, A total of 350 of the 400 interview schedules completed were judged to be accurate and were used in the analysis. For purpose of analysis, data from the 350 respondents were classified into three participation groups according to levels of participation based on scores on a six-criterion instrument: low participants (N = 178); medium participants (N = 74); and high participants (N = 98). Of the 350 respondents, 233 were current 4-H members and 117 were drop outs. The purpose was to determine relation between participation level and personal characteristics, opinions, attitudes and parental characteristics of the 4-H'er. Thirty-one independent variables were identified and used as a basis for comparing low, medium and high participators (dependent variable). Statistical tests used in the analysis of data were chi square and zero order correlation coefficient. The chi square test was used with qualitative variables and the zero order correlation statistic (r) was used with quantitative variables. The ,05 level was accepted as being statistically significant. Computations were done by the University of Tennessee Computing Center. Major findings of the study were: 1. Participation was inversely related to the age level of respondents, Participation declined as 4-H'ers' age increased. 2. Participation was related to membership status. Boys and girls with high levels of participation were more likely to be members than drop-outs. 3. Participation was related to years of 4-H membership. The level of participation increased as years of membership increased. 4. Participation was related to age first joined 4-H. Participation was greater among boys and girls who joined at an early age. 5. Participation was related to grade in school when first joined 4-H, Participation was higher among those who joined 4-H in a lower school grade. 6. Participation was related to belonging to school organization, Participation was greater among those who belonged to a larger number of school organizations. 7. Participation was related to belonging to out-of-school organizations. The level of participation was greater among boys and girls who belonged to a larger number of out-of-school organizations. 8. Participation was related to plans to attend college. A higher participation level was achieved by those who had definite plans to attend college. 9. Participation was related to total interest score. A higher participation level was achieved by boys and girls having a higher interest score. 10. Participation was related to frequency of church attendance, A higher participation level was achieved by boys and girls who attended church activities more frequently. 11. Participation was related to number of visits by agents. Participation was higher among boys and girls who received visits by agents. 12. Participation was related to time spent listening to radio or music. A higher level of participation was achieved by boys and girls who spent the most time. 13. Participation was related to 4-H'ers attitude toward changing 4-H. A higher level of participation was found among those desiring to change 4-H. 14. Participation was related to father's educational achievement. Participation was greater among boys and girls whose fathers had completed more years of school. 15. Participation was related to mother's educational achievement, Participation was greater among boys and girls whose mothers had completed more years of school. The 4-H'ers grade in school, sex and place of residence were personal characteristics that were not significantly related to the level of 4-H participation. Four-H'ers feelings concerning free time, what they liked to do mose during free time, time spent watching T.V., and frequency of dating were leisure time factors that were not significantly related to 4-H participation. Four H'ers attitude toward record keeping, opinion of friends attitude toward 4-H, opinion why boys and girls remain in 4-H and opinion why others drop out of 4-H were attitude factors that were not significantly related to level of 4-H participation. Parental characteristics that were not significantly related to level of 4-H participation were fathers' occupation, mother working outside the home, parents being former 4-H members and having brothers or sisters in 4-H. Implications and recommendations were also made.

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