Impact of Social Skills and Sports Participation on Academic Achievement in Digital Era: Evidence from University Students in the Northern Himalayan Region of Pakistan

Author(s) : * Mary Yousuf ** Professor Ashfaque Ahmed Shah, PhD (corresponding author) *** Dr Khateeb Ahmed Khan

Abstract:

This research has been conducted to determine the impact of social skills and sports
participation on the academic achievement of university students in digital era. Correlational
research design was employed. The study was quantitative in nature. All final year (211)
students at University of Baltistan, Skardu were selected through purposive cluster sampling.
The sample consisted of 59.9% girls and 40.1% boys. In this study, three factors of social skills,
peer relationship skills, empathy and teamwork were investigated. Self-developed questionnaire
was utilized to collect data regarding students’ social skills and CGPA. Mean, standard
deviation and linear regression were utilized to analyse data. Both findings and conclusion
suggest that there was a positive relationship between social skills and academic achievement
of university students. Additionally, it was also revealed that there was no significant impact of
sports participation on the academic achievement of university students.
Keywords: Academic Achievement, Social Skills, Sports participation, Himalaya, Pakistan