Perceived Educational Control (PEC) associated with Age, Parental Educational Attainment (PEA), School Type and Sex : A cross-sectional study including predictions and variations

Sammanfattning: The current study mapped trajectories of perceived educational control (PEC) through its association with age, parental educational attainment (PEA), school type (public or private) and sex. The study surveyed 280 Australian formal students, in a cross-sectional design, between the ages of 17 and 25. Results displayed increased age predicting higher levels of PEC. Having one educated parent predicted greater PEC across age than did having no educated parents. Interestingly, having two educated parents did not significantly elevate PEC. Awaited, was the insignificance of sex in the predictions of PEC, meanwhile school type, yet also an insignificant predictor has opened up for further discussion. No differences were found in PEC levels between school types or genders. Future research should include cultural background of the participant and school attended. Another useful perspective would be measured PEC in relation to likelihood of studying; for those finishing secondary school, or currently not studying.