IN PART FULFILMENT

OFTHE SOCIOLOGY

SYLLABUSFOR

CARIBBEAN ADVANCED PROFIENCY EXAM (CAPE)FOR THE YEAR 2014-2015

Name:

Institution: McGrath High School

Course: Cape Sociology Unit 1

Centre Number:

Territory: Jamaica

Table of Content

Introduction (20 Marks)

Acknowledgement I

Title Page II

Background III

Definition of Research Problem 1

Review of Literatures 2

Research Design (13 Marks)

Design of Research

Sociological Perspective

Sample Selection

Data Collection Techniques

Presentation of Findings & Analysis

Presentation of Findings

Analysis of Findings

Discussion of Findings and Conclusion

Discussion of Findings

Conclusions

Appendix

Bibliography

Acknowledgement

With great pleasure the researcher wishes to acknowledge the help provided by several

individuals which proved to be very valuable in conducting this research.

These individuals include: staff of the school’s lab who went beyond call of duty so that

the necessary resources were available.

The teachers in outlining tasks that the researcher were expected to perform and the

attention was forth coming so that this research was completed efficiently.

An internal assessment of this magnitude was effectively compiled with the assistance

and contribution of the adolescent in the District.

Thanks in Advance!

Title Page

Statement of ProblemTo what extent does Social Networking Sites affects the academic performance of students?

Aims and ObjectivesThe main aim of this assessment is to:

Evaluate the degree of the negative impact of social networking site, extensive usage on academic performance of students.

To determine the factors influencing students to participate on social networking site.

To determine the necessary precautionary measures that can be taken to reduce the amount of time and students who partake in social networking site.

Background of Research

The invention of the telegraph, telephone, radio, and computer set the stage for this

unprecedented integration of capabilities. The Internet is at once a world-wide broadcasting

capability, a mechanism for information dissemination, and a medium for collaboration and

interaction between individuals and their computers without regard for geographic

location. Lately, online social networking sites engage students and need to be studied as

distributors of information. The medium of internet has evolved with growth in its applications.

The interactive nature of online environments has expanded with social networks. Connecting

through social networks started as a niche activity, but with time it is now a phenomenon. The

social networking sites are being used in various ways like forming communities, chatting,

blogging etc. Apart from that, different institutions even nowadays are forming communities or

groups on different Social Networking Sites. Social network is not only used for entertainments,

chatting or blogging but it is also used for commercial purposes.

Definition of Research Problem

Social networking is the connection of friends or family together which allow you to

communicate easily. With social networking sites you can have a long chain of friends you can chat or

share information or ideal with. According to Boyd & Ellison (2008), “SNS can be defined as web-

based services that allow individuals to construct a public or semi-public profile within a bounded

system, articulate a list of other users with whom they share a connection, and view and traverse their

list of connections and those made by others within the system”.  At the most basic level social

networking sites allow users to set up online profiles or personal homepages, and develop an online

social network. The profile page functions as the user’s own webpage and includes profile information

ranging from their date of birth, gender, religion, politics and hometown, to their favourite films, books

quotes and what they like doing in their spare time. In addition to profile information, users can design

the appearance of their page, and add content such as photos, video clips, music and files. The purpose

of this research is to determine to what extent social networking sites affect the academic performance

of adolescents.

Literature ReviewWhat is social Networking?

Social network can be defined as the building of online communications that allow the

interaction between groups of people who share a common interest according to the Social

Studies Essential for CSEC Sandy, (2012)

Social Networking sites are virtual learning communities where users can create

individual public profiles, interact with real-life friends and meet other people based on shared

interests and ideas. They are seen as a “global consumer phenomenon” with an exponential rise

in usage over the last few years. Social networks may be potential mental health problems for

adolescents as observed by Kuss & Griffiths, (2007)

Behavioural Patterns

Social Networking sites affect adolescents not only by displacing time they spend doing

school work or mental health problem or even sleep but it also influences beliefs and behaviour.

According to the learning theory of Durkheim, (1961), adolescents learn by observing and

imitating what they see on network sites, particularly when these behaviour seem realistic. The

media present adolescent with common characters for how to behave in unfamiliar situations

such as romantic relationships according to a survey by Strasburger, Jordan & Donnerstein,

(2010).

Aggression and Violence

As stated by Strasburger, Jordan & Donnerstein, (2010), aggression and violence is

one of many actions influenced by social networking. Interactive media can encourage antisocial

beliefs and behaviour in adolescents, particularly because violence in new media has found to be

prevalent as well.

Academic Performance

Engaging in social media is a routine activity that entice adolescent by enhancing

communications, social connection and even technical skills. Because of their limited capacity

for self-regulation and susceptibility to peer pressure, adolescent are at some risk as they

navigate and experiment with social media. Students may use social media to connect with one

another on homework and group projects for example social networks such as facebook,

whatsapp allows students to gather outside of class to collaborate and exchange ideas about

assignments, while some students will do school work on social media. Others will procrastinate

and use the sites for other purposes which will then allow them to become slow and down care

about their academics. Jones, (2004)

Education is a very important essential part of an individual’s life, for every adolescent

education is more important than anything. Today adolescent shows very much interest for using

social networks but unfortunately social networks affect education badly. Technology has shown

a fast development by producing communications devices but these devices can be used for

accessing social networks anytime, anywhere, these devices include computers, iPod or even

simple mobile phones (which support internet). Technology is a step towards betterment, no

doubt but any technology which can provide ease of social network can be dangerous because

social sites is a straight invitation of addiction to adolescent as academic satisfaction is not

enough for those students who suffers from social isolation. Social networks grab the attention

and concentration of the students and divert them towards non educational, unethical and

inappropriate actions. Tang, Mehboob & Asfandyar, (2012).

Research Design

Research is defined as the systematic study of materials and sources in order to establish

facts and reach new conclusions. This study intends to examine the impacts of how social

networking sites affects the academic performance of adolescents. For this research the

procedure will incorporate the use of both primary and secondary sources. This descriptive

method will be used to garner useful information.

In order for the researcher to collect empirical data (statistics) a data collection

instrument and strategies had to be employed; a qualitative approach was utilized as a large

sample was not required.

.

Method of Data Collection Instrument

In investigating, “the negative impact social networking sites has on the academic

performance of adolescents”, the use of both primary and secondary sources were incorporated.

Primary sources involves the use of questionnaires.

Questionnaires were disseminated randomly without speculations. This was the main

primary source as it showed the following criterion.

Non time consuming Easy to analyse Aids in one’s opinion Can be administered to many people Can get a lot of data Easy to distribute

The secondary sources involve visits to the library, books, and internet as well as journal

articles. These Sources contributed to the researcher’s understanding of the problem in that they

cited examples and give enormous amount of details to comprehend.

Some advantages of using the secondary sources for conducting this research includes:

Accessibility Feasibility of both longitudinal and international comparative studies Ease of Access

Low Cost to Acquire May Help Clarify Research Question

Sociological Perspective

Durkheim (1961) saw the major function of education as the transmission of society’s

norms and values. Durkheim assumes society have a shared culture which can be transmitted

through the education system. The process of education helps to provide an important link

between the individual and society. Durkheim postulated that education is the methodical

socialization of the young generation.

Sociologists contemplate about the interaction be between students. Hence the concern

for students academics. However with the influence of technology on school organization and

relationship. One possible point of view is that technology will enhance school efficiency and

efficacy. In addition other theories argue that technology will reduce the quality of social

relationships necessary for students’ success therefore Social Networks will there reduce the time

spent on academic for students so less progress will be made towards their success in society as

postulated by Durkheim and other sociologists.

Sample Selection

A sample can be defined as a small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is

like. A sampling frame will be utilized to study the desired portion of the population; a sampling

frame is a means of defining the population of interest. Stratified random sampling was

incorporated using questionnaires were distributed to adolescents within the 11-19 age group in a

community within the vicinity of Linstead. To achieve this, a total of fifteen questionnaires were

randomly handed out to adolescents of the community in the age group 11-19 years. The sample

size of included 15 individuals to represent the whole. This method was chosen because it

allowed for a broad variety of responses as the respondents would be of various age groups,

ethnicities, and genders.

Presentation of Data

Female Male

77%

33%

Gender of person who use social networks

Fig. 1 showing results of the gender that use social network.

15%

19%

45%

21%

Chart Title

11 yrs-13 yrs

13 yrs- 15yrs

15yrs-18yrs

18 hyrs & over

The age groups of individuals

Fig. 2 showing the age group of individual who access social networks.

Yes

No

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%

97%

3%

Representation of persons who use social network

Fig 3. Showing the percentage of respondents who use social network.

Fig. 4. Showing if social network ever affects educational status of respondents’.

Reduction of time spent on social network.

Responses of how social network affects

Yes65%

No35%

Chart Title

Fig 5. This is representing the respondents’ answers to the question “Does social network reduce the time spent on education practices.

Facebook

Whatsapp

Youtube

Other

0 2 4 6 8 10 12

10

10

6

4

Social Networking Sites Used by

Students

Figure 6. Any other SNS like twitter, Youtube and Instagram. The respondents found Facebook and

Whatsapp easier to use.

Time Spent on Social Network 0 hour

1/2 hour1 hour 2 hour3 hour4 hour

Figure 7. Showing the time span spent on social networking sites by respondents.

Analysis of Findings

In conducting this research, agreements were revealed throughout this assignment. The

data collected from the respondents clearly showed that social networking sites has an impact on

the academic performance of students.

Social networking site is seen as the building of online communications that allow the

interaction between groups of people who share a common interest. However this social site has

captured most of students’ attention and that causes them to spend less time on their academics.

Displayed by Fig. 1 the vast majority of the respondents who use social networking are

45% at the age 15-18 years, age group 11-13 years is 15%, 13-15 years is 19% and 18 years and

over at 21%, in the variation of ages 33% were male while the remaining 77% were females.

During the process of analyzing the data, it was concluded that the majority of the

respondents (97%) use or has access to social networking sites while the other 3% said doesn’t.

When confronted with that question about if social networking sites affect educational status,

15% said sometimes it affects their academics, 3% said seldom, 10% postulated that often times

it does and the other 72% stated that social networking sites never affect their academics.

When asked about the purpose of using social networking site 25% responded by saying

educational support, 68% said socialization while the remaining 7% postulated that their purpose

is comfort. The researcher also query if the time spent on social networks reduces their

educational practices 57% said no with the other 43% saying yes.

The respondents reported the number of hours they spent on social networks per day. 10% spent half

hour, 17% spent one hour per day 23% spent two hours per day and 50% spent more than two hours.

They were no respondents who spent zero hours on the social networks. The consumption levels for

more than two hours are the highest (see Fig 7).

Discussion of Findings

It is the intention of the researcher to find how the impacts of social networking on the

academic performance of adolescents. Upon the completion of this research, the researcher

made the following discoveries that adolescents focus more on social networking sites and less

time on their academics which the results in addiction.

The findings have showed that 80% of adolescents uses social networking sites and the

vast major of users are in the age group of 15-18 years old. Due to this practice of the

respondents, they are unable to produce the kind of performance needed to help improve their

academics and as such perform below the required levels.

The researcher was also made aware that social networking sites doesn’t only affect

academic performance but it also changes the behavioural patterns of these individuals.

Adolescents learn by observation and what is known to be imitation. In addition these practices

of adolescents tend to allow them to behave in unfamiliar way which is not a norm of society.

Engaging in social media is a routine activity that entice adolescent by enhancing

communications, social connection and even technical skills, however, adolescents who uses

interactive social networking sites on a very regular basis, tends to be influenced by antisocial

beliefs.

Technology has shown a great improvement by producing communications devices. Technology

is a step towards betterment, no doubt but any technology which can provide ease of social

network can be dangerous because social sites is a straight invitation of addiction to adolescent

as academic satisfaction is not enough for those students who suffers from social isolation.

Social networks grab the attention and concentration of the students and divert them towards non

educational, unethical and inappropriate actions. Due to the fact that academic procrastination

and motivational problems seem to be correlated, these problems can be overcome by creating a

positive attitude toward academic tasks. It seems that when students access social media sites, it

has a negative effect in academic performance however, through social media sites students have

access to announcement of tasks and notes uploaded through social media sites help motivate

students to study and achieve well on assignments.

AppendixCover Letter

Dear Students,

This is a survey being conducted in your school to determine some of the possible

influences social networking sites has on students’ academic performance. This study is being

carried as an Internal Assessment (I.A). You are required to answer all questions. All

information will be kept confidentially.

Yours Truly,The Researcher

Questionnaires

1. Age 11-14 ( ) 14-17 ( ) 17-19 ( )

2. Gender Male ( ) female ( )

3. Do you use any social networking site?

Yes ( ) No ( )

4. What are your favourite social networking site (s)?

Facebook ( ) Youtube ( ) Instagram ( ) Whatsapp ( ) Twitter ( )

5. Does social networks affects your educational status?

Sometimes ( ) Seldom ( ) Often ( ) Never ( )

6. What is your major purpose for the use of social networks?

Educational purposes ( ) Socialization ( ) Comfort ( )

7. How often do you use social networking sites?

Weekly ( ) Daily ( ) Monthly ( )

8. What is the time span spent on social networking sites per day?

1-2 hours ( ) 3-4 Hours ( ) 5-6 Hours ( ) 8 hours and more ( )

9. How do you rate the following uses of social networking sites in education?

Excellent ( ) Good ( ) Average ( ) Poor ( )

10. Does social networking sites widen your social skills?

Sometimes ( ) Often ( ) Seldom ( ) Never ( )

11. Would you consider social networking sites to be trustworthy?

Agree ( ) Strongly Agree ( ) Disagree ( ) strongly Disagree ( )

12. How social network can help to develop your social skills?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

13. Does social network reduce time spent on educational practices?

Yes ( ) No ( )

14. What can be done to alleviate the level of time spend on social networking sites?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Bibliography

Clarke, K., & O' Keeffe, G. (2011). The Impact og Social Media on Children, Adolescents and Families. PEDIATRICS, 800-804.

Flad, K. (2010). The Influence of Social Networking Participation on Students Academic Performance Across Gender Lines. Digital Common- Brockport.

Greenwood, B. (2009, January 06). How Can Social Networking Sites Affects Teens? Retrieved from http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/can-social-network-sites-affect-teens-13459.html

Mustapha, N. (2013). SOCIOLOGY FOR CARIBBEAN STUDENTS. Kingston: Ian Randle Publishers.

Sandy, M. (2012). Social Media. In M. Sandy, Social Studies Essential for CSEC (p. 225). Carlong Publisher Limited.

Speechprosody. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.speechprosody2012.org/academic-essay-sample-social-network-impact-on-youth.asp