Differential Participation Patterns of Adults of Low and High Educational Attainment

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of selected positional and psychological factors on the adult education participation of adults of low educational attainment (less than 12 years of school ing) and high educational attainment (more than 12 years of schooling). Analysis of data from a survey conducted in Columbia County, Wisconsin, showed that participation among adults of low education (N = 274) was significantly related to age, employment status, income, family status, and withdrawing tendencies. Only the personality trait of social skills was significantly related to participation among adults of high education (N = 128). It was concluded that participation within high and low educational levels cannot be accounted for by a common set of factors. The existence of two broad motivational orientations towards par ticipation in adult education was suggested.