An exploratory study of the relationship of anxiety and uncertainty to training outcomes for women enrolled in adult basic eduation and general education diploma programs

Abstract

This was an exploratory study of communication barriers of women in Hawai'i, comparing those in Adult Basic Education (ABE) and General Education Diploma (GED), and the relationship of levels of anxiety and uncertainty of the participants to the types of programs in which they are enrolled. It also explored whether levels of anxiety and uncertainty were related to the participant's expected completion of the program in which they are enrolled. Results of the study suggest that alternate methods of data collection and analysis may be needed. Research by Staley and Shockley-Zalabak (Carter & Spitzack, 1989) discusses the us.e of triangulated designs that include a variety of data collection methods, which may be more conducive to gathering data from women, such as interviews, observation, content analysis, videotapes and recordings. The study also suggests that these outcomes are not easily measured because we cannot know what effect outside experiences have on the participants' self-reporting. Further research could be extended to explore other outcomes, such as retention and long-term career success.