Using Factor Analysis to Determine the Most Important Factors Affecting Student Absenteeism at Cihan University- Erbil

Abstract

The review of the relevant literature reveals that the issue of absenteeism among students was not new. The researcher intended to explore the factors affecting absenteeism and to find a solution to solve this issue. For this purpose, a mixed methods research was designed. To analyze this problem, both quantitative and qualitative research methods were adopted in this study. In quantitative approach a close ended questionnaire was developed to collect data. The sample comprised of 470 students out of total population of (4892). A descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used to analyze the data. ‎Transcriptions were analyzed through Thematic Description Approach under the qualitative ‎methods using IBM SPSS version 25.0. The results revealed significant factors of the phenomenon. It was delimited to the Cihan University-Erbil only, but the findings can be generalized all over Kurdistan Region, because of the many similarities in our educational system (examination, large scale assessment and resources).