Challenges encountered and coping strategies used by final year undergraduate students of sociology in project writing In Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the challenges encountered and the coping strategies used by final year undergraduate students of Sociology in project writing in Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria using both case study and ex-post facto design. The study population comprises of all final year undergraduate students of Sociology in the faculty of social sciences of the institution, totalling two hundred and twenty one (221). However, to qualify as sample, the students must have registered for project course (Soc 406), carried out his/her field work, and final copies of his/her project work made ready for submission. Those who met these criteria were totalling one hundred and sixty three (163) and they were all selected for the study using purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and the data collected were statically analysed using frequencies, percentage, and weighted means, while the hypotheses formulated were tested using Levene’s independent sample t-test for equality of variance. Results of the study showed that of all the challenges encountered by the respondents in project writing, inadequate fund to meet the financial demand of their project work is the most common. Likewise, of all the coping strategies used by the respondents, sourcing material from cybercafé and library with the help of cyber and library attendants came first. The results of the hypotheses revealed that there is no significant difference in challenges encountered by male and female respondents as well as in the coping strategies used in project writing. In view of these findings, the study recommends that parents should always strive hard to provide adequately for the financial needs of their wards in school since it is their responsibility to do so. Likewise, government should complement parent’s efforts as university expenses are a burden many parents can hardly afford presently in Nigeria. Government can do this by supporting students financially either in the form of educational loan (at low or no interest), scholarship or grants to offset their educational expenses or to acquire relevant academic materials needed in the course of their study.