Exploring Learning Outcome among Secondary School Students: A Comparative Study of Psychological and Behavioral Factors

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between study habits, locus of control, and learning outcomes among secondary school students, and to establish the influence of these factors on learning outcomes. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the extent of study habits, locus of control, and learning outcomes among students, (2) evaluate the extent of study habits, locus of control, and learning outcomes among students according to gender, location, and type of school, (3) establish the relationship between study habits, locus of control, and learning outcomes, and (4) establish the predictive influence of study habits and locus of control on learning outcomes. The study employed a descriptive survey design. The study was conducted on 152 class IX students selected through stratified random sampling from government, private, and government-aided schools of Birbhum District, West Bengal. Standardized instruments were employed to assess study habits and locus of control, while the students’ performance was considered as an indicator of learning achievement. Statistical methods such as mean, standard deviation, t-test, one-way ANOVA, correlation, and multiple regression analysis were employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed that the data satisfied the assumption of normality. There were no significant differences in study habits, locus of control, and learning outcomes between gender and location, and between location and gender. Significant differences existed between school types in locus of control and learning outcomes. There was a small positive correlation between study habits and learning outcomes, and a small negative correlation between locus of control and learning outcomes. The regression analysis indicated that study habits positively predicted learning outcomes, and locus of control negatively predicted learning outcomes.