A Conjoint Analysis of Student Registration Decision Making: Implications for Enrollment

Authors

  • Peter W. Schuhmann University of North Carolina - Wilmington Author
  • KimMarie McGoldrick University of Richmond Author

Abstract

The authors used the statistical technique of conjoint analysis to examine students' choices of elective courses. They computed the relative contributions to student satisfaction, or "utility," of five course- and instructor-level attributes that they hypothesized to influence registration decisions. Their results across many subsamples suggest that students' choices of elective courses is in large part a function of the course's catalog description, the perceived applicability of course material to future career opportunities, and the time of day the course is offered. The relatively high utility rating found for low levels of course and instructor rigor may suggest that students also place a high premium on their expected grade. The authors explore the implications of these results for enrollment.

Published

2024-03-22