The Impact of Sense of Community, Personality Preference, and Locus of Control on Attrition Rates in Web-based Learning

The relationship between sense of community, personality preference of introversion or extraversion, and locus of control was examined among a convenience sample of graduate level web-based students (N = 94). Web-based learning has increased significantly as technology has advanced and a demand for education has risen. As the population of students enrolled in web-based learning has risen, researchers have indicated the attrition rate is significantly higher and the students differ from traditional students learning in a classroom. Limited research has been conducted analyzing the influence of personality variables, locus of control, and sense of community on attrition rates in graduate level web-based students. The current study utilized constructivist learning theories, Jung's personality types, and Rotter's locus of control theory. Based on independent sample t tests results indicated that extraverted students were more likely to drop out from their course. Findings are congruent with previous research on personality preference. Sense of community and locus of control were not found to be significantly associated with attrition. For the purposes of positive social change, information about predictors of successful student retention enables the development of pre-and ongoing academic support for web-based learners. This support is likely to increase student satisfaction, course completion, and consequently the number of successful outcomes, positively affecting the quality of life on a micro and macro level.