A Comparison of Two Attitude-Behavior Models for Predicting Attrition in Higher Education

Several attitudinal behavior models have been proposed for predicting educational attrition. The present study evaluated and compared predictions from an updated version of the Ajzen and Fishbein intention model with the Rusbult and Farrell commitment model. Using attitudinal scales and information obtained from the files of 75 undergraduates, it was shown in a longitudinal study that the Ajzen and Fishbein intention model is the better predictor of registration for graduate school. Also, as expected, Time 2 measures were better predictors of the criterion than were the Time I measures. The present findings are compared with studies using traditional measures of organizational turnover.