Masters Theses

Date of Award

3-1969

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Agricultural Extension

Major Professor

Cecil E. Carter

Committee Members

Robert S. Dotson, E.R. Lidvall

Abstract

This study was concerned with the problem of decreasing senior 4-H enrollment in Tennessee. Nineteen variables concerning factors of county 4-H programs and four variables concerning the numbers of senior 4-H members per county were investigated. The purpose was to identify the association between variables of county 4-H programs and the numbers of senior 4-H members enrolled. Furthermore, the percent of variation in senior 4-H enrollment accounted for by the county 4-H program variables were studied. Data were secured from secondary sources. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was made with the assistance of The University of Tennessee Computing Center. Findings disclosed that as the numbers of 4-H leaders , numbers and size of 4-H Clubs, numbers of participants in 4-H activities and events, potential numbers of 4-H members, numbers of 4-H members residing on farms and number of county Extension agents, increased the numbers of senior 4-H members enrolled also increased. Furthermore, multiple correlation analysis disclosed that: (1) of the five leadership variables studied, the total number of adult 4-H Club leaders accounted for the largest percent of variation (48 per cent) in the total number of senior 4-H members enrolled; (2) of the four organization variables studied, the total number of senior 4-H Clubs accounted for the largest per cent of variation (56 per cent) in the total number of senior 4-H members enrolled; (3) the three participation variables studied, the total number of 4-H members participating in 4-H camp accounted for the largest percent of variation (17 per cent) in the total number of senior 4-H members enrolled; (4) of the two enrollment related variables studied, the total number of junior 4-H members enrolled accounted for the largest percent of variation (52 per cent) in the total number of senior 4-H members enrolled; (5) of the three place of residence variables studied, the total number of 4-H members residing on farms accounted for the largest percent of variation (65 per cent) in the total number of senior 4-H members enrolled; (6) of the two Extension staff variables studied, the total number of Extension staff members accounted for the largest percent of variation (31 per cent) in the total number of senior 4-H members enrolled, and (7) when the six groups of variables studied were combined, the total number of 4-H members residing on farms, accounted for the largest percent of variation (65 per cent) in the total number of senior 4-H members enrolled. Recommendations for use of the findings and for further study were made.

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