An analysis of attitude and interest on quantitative methods among Accounting students

Authors

  • Francisco José Costa Universidade Estadual do Ceará
  • Elias Pereira Lopes Júnior Universidade Estadual do Ceará
  • Anderson Queiroz Lemos Universidade Estadual do Ceará
  • Rodolfo Jakov Saraiva Lôbo Universidade Estadual do Ceará

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22277/rgo.v2i2.177

Abstract

This study has the objective of examining the interest and the attitude of students in Accounting undergraduate courses in the area of quantitative methods. It was proceeded as literature review, and four hypotheses about how the dimensions of attitude affect the interests of students were announced. It was developed a field study with data collected from 144 students in institutions of higher education from Fortaleza. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and regression analysis technique. It was observed that Accounting students did not show an enthusiastic attitude toward the disciplines of quantitative methods. Regarding the hypotheses, it was found that the interest of students is positively influenced by the perception of importance and by the self-confidence of students in quantitative methods, and negatively influenced by the perception of difficulty of the area. There was also a comparative analysis with the area of Business Administration, which revealed that the Accounting students perceive that they have better skills command, perceive a greater importance of the area and have a higher level of self-confidence when compared to students of Business Administration. Despite the limitations, it is believed that this study can help educational institutions and faculty to better direct the process of formation of the accounting professionals.

Author Biographies

Francisco José Costa, Universidade Estadual do Ceará

Professor do curso de mestrado em Administração da Universidade Estadual do Ceará. Doutor em Administração, com interesses em marketing e educação em negócios.

Elias Pereira Lopes Júnior, Universidade Estadual do Ceará

Administrador e Mestrando em Administração da Universidade Estadual do Ceará.

Anderson Queiroz Lemos, Universidade Estadual do Ceará

Administrador e Mestrando em Administração da Universidade Estadual do Ceará.

Rodolfo Jakov Saraiva Lôbo, Universidade Estadual do Ceará

Administrador e Mestrando em Administração da Universidade Estadual do Ceará.

Published

2009-12-23