Investigating the association between emotional intelligence and socioeconomic status of Ashesi University College students
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Abstract
This paper seeks to investigate an association between the socioeconomic status and
emotional intelligence of students in Ashesi University College. It has been categorised into
five different chapters—chapter 1 introduces the topic; chapter 2 establishes a theoretical
framework and reviews similar studies conducted by other researchers; chapter 3 explains the
methodology used; chapter 4 analyses the data collected; and chapter 5 describes the
conclusions and recommendations made.
Using Ashesi University College as the background of the study, a sample size of 127 was
used—this includes 125 students and two Deans of Students. While questionnaires were
administered to the students, the Deans of Students were interviewed. Given four different
hypotheses, the data retrieved was analysed using content analysis, analysis of variance, chi
squared test of independence, and a t-test.
Results showed that although there is no significant association between the socioeconomic
status of students and their level of emotional intelligence, students with poor socioeconomic
status are more emotionally intelligent than the others. Unlike students’ ability to motivate
themselves, it appeared that the other components of emotional intelligence— level of self
awareness, managing emotions, empathy and social skills of students does not change
throughout their 4 years stay in the school.
It is recommended that the school extends the programs it organises for students in first year
across the other levels for all differences to be permanently bridged. Also, the school should
adopt a strategy that emphasizes other factors that may contribute to higher academic
performance such as expanding its mentorship program.