ABSTRACT

         This study investigated the influence of peer group on schools going adolescents in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Four hundred primary schools adolescents were randomly selected to supply information on the research instrument tagged “Influence of Peer Group Schools Going Adolescents Questionnaire (IPGSGAQ)”. Simple percentage was used to analyse the personal information of the respondents while t-test statistical method was employed to test all the hypotheses.

The result showed that male and female adolescents perceived peer influence as having positive effect on children’s academic performance. Also, significant difference existed between young and older adolescents perception of peer influence on attitudes to class work.

Based on the result it was recommended that teachers should develop keen interest in child’s attitudes in other to identify deviations. In addition guidance and counselling services should be introduced in primary schools in the local government.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENTS                                                       PAGE

TITLE PAGE                                                                  i       

CERTIFICATION                                                           ii

DEDICATION                                                                iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS                                               iv

ABSTRACT                                                                    v      

TABLE OF CONTENTS                                                 vi

LIST OF TABLES                                                          viii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study                                             1

Statement of the Problem                                            6

Purpose of the Study                                                   6

General Questions                                                        7

Research Questions                                                     7

Research Hypotheses                                                   8

Significance of the Study                                             9

Delimitation of the Study                                             10    

Definition of Terms Operational                                           10

CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE  

Concept of Peer Group                                                 12    

Functions of Peers Group                                            18

Sources of Peers Group                                                21    

Peers and Friends Influence                                        23

Summary of the Reviewed Literature                          32    

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHOD

Research Design                                                           35

Population                                                                    35

Sample and Sampling Technique                                36

Research Instrument                                                   37

Validity of the Instrument                                           37

Reliability of the Instrument                                        38

Administration of the Instrument                                38

Method of Data Analysis                                              39    

CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Presentation of Results                                                40

Hypotheses Testing                                                      41

Discussion of the Findings                                           46   

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND

   RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary                                                                      51    

Conclusion                                                                   52

Implications of the Study                                              52

Recommendations                                                        53

Limitations to the Study                                              56

Suggestion for Further Studies                                   56

REFERENCES                                                               57

APPENDIX                                                                     59