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A social network analysis of student retention using archival data

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Abstract

This study attempts to determine if a relationship exists between first-to-second-year retention and social network variables for a cohort of first-year students at a small liberal arts college. The social network is reconstructed using not survey data as is most common, but rather using archival data from a student information system. Each student is given a retention score and an attrition score based on the behavior of their immediate relationships in the network. Those scores are then entered into a logistic regression that includes tradition background and performance variables that are traditionally significantly related to retention. Students’ friends’ retention and attrition behaviors are found to have a greater impact on retention that any background or performance variable.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Information Services, Rhodes College, 2000 North Parkway, Memphis, TN, 38112, USA

    James E. Eckles

  2. Welch Consulting, Washington, DC, USA

    Eric G. Stradley

Authors
  1. James E. Eckles
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  2. Eric G. Stradley
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Correspondence to James E. Eckles.

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Eckles, J.E., Stradley, E.G. A social network analysis of student retention using archival data. Soc Psychol Educ 15, 165–180 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-011-9173-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-011-9173-z

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