Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This study examined the effect of family background and peer group on the academic performance of secondary school students in Economics, focusing on Anglican Secondary School in Makurdi, Benue State. The research aimed to investigate how family background and peer group influence the academic outcomes of students in Economics. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data. The findings revealed that family background plays a significant role in shaping students' academic performance in Economics. Factors such as parental education level, socio-economic status, and parental involvement in their children's education were identified as crucial determinants of academic success. Students from higher socio-economic backgrounds tended to perform better academically compared to those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Additionally, students with highly educated parents were more likely to excel in Economics due to the support and guidance they received at home. Moreover, the study found that peer groups also have a considerable impact on students' academic performance in Economics. Peer influence, study groups, and collaborative learning were identified as factors that could either positively or negatively affect students' academic outcomes. Students who associated with academically motivated peers tended to perform better in Economics, as they were more likely to engage in productive study habits and discussions that enhanced their learning experience. Furthermore, the research highlighted the importance of creating a conducive learning environment that fosters positive peer interactions and strong family support systems. Schools and educators play a crucial role in promoting a supportive atmosphere that encourages academic excellence among students. By involving parents in their children's education and promoting peer collaboration, schools can enhance students' academic performance in Economics. Overall, this study underscores the significance of family background and peer group in influencing the academic performance of secondary school students in Economics. Understanding the impact of these factors can help educators, policymakers, and parents develop effective strategies to support students and improve their learning outcomes. By addressing the challenges posed by family background and peer influence, schools can create a more equitable and conducive learning environment that enables all students to excel academically in Economics.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDYEducation is the best legacy a nation can give to her citizens especially the youths. This is because education is very important in the development of any nation or community. Education is the process of transmitting what is worthwhile to members of the society. According to Okafor (2001). Education embraces all those experiences of the individual through which knowledge is acquired and intellect enlightened.Nwabachili and Egbue (2003) education is what goes on from one generation to another generation. In this context, education is the process of socializing the child to grow up as a fulfilled member of the society through informal, formal and non-formal process.Informal education is the process of acquiring knowledge about the environment and beyond through living with one another. According to Nwabachili and Egbue (2003) formal education is a consciously planned form of socialization in a formal setting such as school. They stressed that non-formal education involve all those systematic programmes and processes of education and training that is done outside formal education setting. All these forms of education cannot be achieved without the influence of the family.Family is the first social environment the child finds itself. According to Clifford (2001) family remains the primary environment of the child. The author emphasized that family environment has more chances of increasing or decreasing the intellectual achievement of the child. Akubue and Okolo (2008), defined family as a small kinship structural group with the key function of natural socialization of the new born.Similarly, in Okunniyi (2004), family is defined as a primary social group of parents, offspring and possibly other members of the household. Family background refers to all the conditions and circumstances in the family which influence the child physically, intellectually and emotionally Muola (2010).Children coming from different family backgrounds are affected different by such family conditions, that is why some children have good family background while some have poor background. Citing fleege, Eke (2009) noted that with some families, the background way vary from time to time for the same individuals.Student achievement is effected in many ways by the effects of a peer group. These effects may be members a group interaction in learning, helping each other in their studies, share important information. Influences on student learning in an academic environment can be numerous and contradictory. The interactions among peers are normal and essential part of the learning process that influences the lifelong learning habits of students.Students may learn better when in the company of other strong students. Peer groups have significant impacts on student achievement, depending on the magnitude of peer influences (Majeed A, 2010).1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMMost students in Nigerian secondary schools are in greater risk of poor academic achievement in both internal and external examinations (WAEC and NECO). Government, parents, teachers and students blame one another for students’ poor performance in schools. This may be that parents blame teachers for lack of dedication to duties. The teachers blame government for poor salaries hence they are poorly motivated, parents also accuse government for not equipping the schools with learning materials, government blame parents for not doing good home work and the students are blamed for lack of discipline and dedication to their studies. Finally, several research has been carried out on family background and peer group and its effect on the academic performance of the students, but not even a single research has been carried out on the effect of family background and peer group on the academic performance of secondary school students in economics (a case study of Anglican secondary school, Markurdi, Benue state.)1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF STUDY The main aim of the study is to determine the effect of family background and peer group on the academic performance of secondary school students. Other specific objectives of the study Include:1. to determine the extent to which family background affects academic performance of secondary school students in economics.2. to determine the factors affecting the academic performance of economics students.3. to determine the relationship between family background and academic performance of secondary school students on economics.4. to determine the extent to which peer group affects academic performance of secondary school students of economics.5. to determine the factors affecting peer group and academic performance of economics students.6. to determine the relationship between peer group and academic performance of secondary school students in economics.7. to proffer possible solutions to the problems.1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS 1. What is the extent to which family background affects academic performance of secondary school students in economics?2. What are the factors affecting the academic performance of economics students?3. What is the relationship between family background and academic performance of secondary school students on economics?4. What is the extent to which peer group affects academic performance of secondary school students of economics?5. What are the factors affecting peer group and academic performance of economics students?6. What is the relationship between peer group and academic performance of secondary school students in economics?7. What are possible solutions to the problems?1.5 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH HYPOTHESISHypothesis 1H0: Family background has no significant effect on the academic performance of secondary schools students in economics.H1: Family background has a significant effect on the academic performance of secondary schools students in economics.Hypothesis 2H0: Peer group has no significant effect on the academic performance of secondary school students in economics.H1: Peer group has a significant effect on the academic performance of secondary school students and family .1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY The study of the effect of family background and peer group on the academic performance of secondary school students in economics will be of immense benefit to the entire secondary schools in Benue state in the sense that it will educate the government to employing competent and qualified teacher that is willing to treat the students in a good way as if they are all his/her biological children. It will also encourage the students to be serious with their studies matter the type of family they find themselves. Finally, it will contribute to the body of existing literature and knowledge to this field of study and basis for further research.1.7 SCOPE OF STUDY The study on the effect of family background and peer group on the academic performance of secondary school students in economics is limited to Anglican secondary school, Makurdi, Benue state.1.8 LIMITATION OF STUDYFinancial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMSEffect A change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause.Family Social unit of two or more persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption and having a shared commitment to the mutual relationship.