Gender Differences in Academic Procrastination and Academic Performance among University Students in Pakistan

Abstract

This research paper investigates the relationship between academic procrastination and academic performance among university students in Pakistan. Procrastination is a prevalent habit in higher education; there are many questions regarding its impact on academic performance and students’ cognitive efficiency. It aims to investigate the relationship between academic procrastination (independent variable) and academic performance (dependent variable), and to determine whether there is a significant difference in the relationships between gender and academic procrastination and academic performance. The methodology used for this study is cross-sectional. Male and female students enrolled in BS and MS programs are the respondents of the study. The sample size is 300 respondents. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Results indicated that university students reported moderate levels of academic procrastination, with student delay in studying among the most reported behaviors. In terms of their academic performance, students typically reported a moderate to moderately high level of academic performance, with class participation and task completion being the most highly rated. The correlation test showed a significant negative correlation between academic procrastination and academic performance in both male and female students, indicating an inverse relationship. The differences between men's and women's procrastination or its impact on performance was small.