Analysis of Dropout in the Soná Extension of the University of Panama, Based on the Questionnaire of Díaz and Tejedor, (2017)

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to analyze the causes of student dropout in a university extension of the University of Panama. It suggests a non-experimental design based on a quantitative approach. It is nonparticipatory, analytical and descriptive. The population includes students who dropped out during the years 2017 to 2020, (n=142). The sample is purposive. However, only 45 persons completed the questionnaire. The questionnaire of Díaz and Tejedor, (2017) called CADESUN was applied. The questionnaire has been validated both nationally and internationally. The technique of expert judges was applied with a rating of 0.99 (content validation) and piloting that reached a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.99, so it was relevant to analyze the phenomenon in a new context. It was possible to verify that the separate analysis of the relevant variables yields valuable results. For the analysis as a whole, the extension emphasizes an Organizational or Institutional Model followed by the Economic Model, causing student dropout.