Poor Academic Achievement     i 
 
Abstract 
 
An Examination of the Factors Associated with Poor Academic Achievement of 
Adolescents in the Trinidad Context  
 
 
 
This study investigated the impact of several demographic and psychological 
variables on the academic achievement of 488, 12-15 year old adolescents in 
several secondary schools in Trinidad. Participants were two hundred and seventy 
males (270) and two hundred and eighteen (218) females randomly selected from 
each of the seven educational districts.  Data were collected using three survey 
instruments and a demographic data sheet. Data were analyzed using MANOVA, 
mediation analysis using hierarchical regression proposed by Baron & Kenny 
(1986), Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation. Effect sizes were reported using 
partial eta squared and Sobel’s test developed by Preacher & Hayes, (2004). Alpha 
levels were all set at the p < .05 level.  The findings revealed significant main 
effects for age/cohort, gender and ethnicity. Both locus of control and self efficacy 
for academic achievement were found to be significant partial mediators in 
academic achievement.  These findings are discussed within the socio-cultural and 
educational contexts of Trinidad. 
 
 
 
Key Terms: Linda Lila Mohammed; poor academic achievement; adolescents