Abstract
The Problem. Selection of a college academic area of study and persistence within that area presents problems for students and institutions alike. Delayed selection of an area of study and lack of persistence can lead to increased costs, delayed graduation or abandonment of a college education. Institutions of higher learning need methods to counteract student confusion and major changes. Purpose of the Study. The purpose of the study was to determine if significant differences existed between behavioral profiles in different college areas of study. Research Methodology. Three hundred, fifty-one students representing the academic areas of Business and Public Administration, Behavioral and Social Science, and Natural Science and Mathematics, completed the adjective checklist of the Geier Personal Profile System. Results were subjected to Contingency Table test of differences and association, goodness-of-fit, and analysis of residuals. Findings. Significant differences were found between the expected and observed frequencies of profiles. Analysis of residuals revealed that significantly higher frequency profiles in the areas of Business and Public Administration represented behaviors that were product or task oriented and worked best in peaceful, conforming environments. Significantly low frequency profiles represented process orientation in challenging, changing environments. The significantly high frequency profiles in the area of Behavioral and Social Science reflected behaviors of friendly, cooperative interaction that were process oriented. Low frequency profiles reflected isolation and task orientation. The areas of Natural Science and Mathematics had significantly high profiles which were characterized by combinations of process and product orientation. Low frequency profiles were those lacking personal understanding and team interaction. Recommendations. Recommendations included the need for longitudinal studies regarding major persistence patterns, stability of behavioral profiles over time and examination of the personal profile counseling with students.