The following data table shows the results of a paired samples t-test on the fifteen questions pre and post average responses. The difference in pre and post average responses is statistically significant for thirteen of the questions. Paired samples t-tests of the pre and post responses were performed separately by gender. These findings support several positive conclusions about UMR freshmen s first year experience. Freshmen had more opportunities to interact with instructors than in high school.
National research underscores the critical importance of student-faculty interactions.
The increase in the importance of making a theoretical contribution to science is probably related to academic interactions. Freshmen became more involved than they expected and than they were in high school. They altered their expectations of leadership opportunities. They place a lesser emphasis on materialism, much more emphasis on improving racial understanding, and more on becoming a community leader. Freshmen altered their expectations and use of time in areas of academic involvement.