Key references:
Wintre, M. G., Knoll, G. M., Pancer, S. M., Pratt, M. W., Polivy, J., Birnie-Lefcovitch, S., and Adams, G. R. (2008). Journal of Adolescent Research, 23(745). DOI: 10.1177/0743558408325972
Wintre, M. G., Gates, S. K. E., Pancer, W. M., Pratt, M. S., Polivy, J., Birnie-Lefcovitch, S. & Adams, G. (2009): The Student Perception of University Support and Structure Scale: development and validation, Journal of Youth Studies, 12(3), 289-306.
Primary use / Purpose:
Background:
Emerging adulthood is a new phenomena which refers to the extended adolescence many of us experience as a result of attending third level education. Developmental theorists have been drawn to this area and empirical research is now extensive. However, many of the scales used to measure the relationship between students and their university experience have fallen into just two categories: the trait based approach which concerns itself with the characteristics the individual brings to bear on the student/university dynamic, and secondly, the organizational and structural qualities of the universities which are the students' homes. The Student-University Match Questionnaire (SUM) is unique in that it asks the student for their own perceived congruity between the their own goals and what is available to them through there university.
Psychometrics:
The psychometric properties of the Student-University Match Questionnaire (SUM) are discussed in Wintre, Knoll, Pancer, Pratt, & Polivy et al. (2008).
