A Typology of Low-Literate Adults Based on Perceptions of Deterrents to Participation in Adult Basic Education

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a comprehensive way to view systematic differences in groups of low-literate adults through the creation of a typology based on deterrents to participation in adult basic education. Information about such deterrents, obtained from 160 low-literate adult basic education students with the Deterrents to Participation Scale - Form LL, was used as the data base for the research. Through the use of disjoint cluster analysis, six types of low literate adults were identified according to their scores on five deterrent factors. The typology provides a basis for the development of strategies and programs to meet the needs of specific subgroups of the low-literate population in adult basic education.

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