Analysis of Defense Language Institute automated student questionnaire data
By: Theodore M. Strycharz
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1996
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Number of pages: 41
Description: This thesis explores the dimensionality of the Defense Language Institute's (DLI) primary student feed back tool - the Automated Student Questionnaire (ASQ). In addition a data set from ASQ 2.0 (the newest version) is analyzed for trends in student satisfaction across the sub-scales of sex, pay grade, and Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) results. The method of principal components is used to derive initial factors. Although an interpretation of those factors seems plausible, these are subjected to a factor analysis rotation (varimax) and five factors are determined and interpreted. Each of the five factors are interpreted in terms of student satisfaction with DLI's: (1) academic environment, (2) military environment, (3) nonbarracks dormitory living conditions, (4) official and supplemental course audio tapes, and (5) service unit's computer learning centers. From the factor loading matrix factor scores equations are developed for use in a subscale trend analysis. Using nonparametric procedures, each factor is checked for differences in central tendency by sex, pay grade, and DLPT score (DLPT consists of three tests DLPTL, DLPTR, DLPTS). From this analysis the following results derive: (1) sex has no effect on any of the factors, (2) pay grade affects satisfaction with the military environment, (3) DLPTL, DLPTR, and DLPTS affect satisfaction with the academic environment, and DLPTS also affects satisfaction with the computer learning centers.
Notes: Thesis advisor(s): H.J. Larson.

"September 1996."

Thesis (M.S. in Operations Research) Naval Postgraduate School, September 1996.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 39)

Approved for public release; distribution unlimited.

Also available online.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader.

US Marine Corps (USMC) author.

dk/dk cc:9996 01/15/97