Factors related to adolescent attrition from the 4-H program in Kay County, Oklahoma

The study examined characteristics of 4-H program participants for whom the present incentive system has proved the most and least effective. Two instruments: 4-H and You, Personal Data and Experiences and 4-H and You: Attitudes and Opinions were administered to 56 subjects. The demographic measures revealed little information on which predictions could be made as regarding members who would remain in 4-H after age 13-14. Highly successful members tended to belong to 4-H club with 10-30 members. Dropouts generally belonged to smaller clubs. Highly successful members tended to have more projects, participated in more activities, and hold more offices. Highly successful members scored significantly higher on an Extraversion scale indicating a more external orientation. No other significant differences were found. Study lends support to the idea that personality characteristics may play a major role in determining which individual will find satisfaction in the awards structure and which will seek a different type of challenge.