Determination of factors affecting university students’ happiness levels through decision trees analysis

Abstract

Throughout history, happiness has been a pivotal subject of study, often analyzed within the context of life quality. The notion of life quality includes various elements such as environmental conditions, family dynamics, health status, and income levels, each playing a significant role in shaping an individual's perspective on life and, consequently, their happiness. This research delves into the happiness of university students, a demographic that holds immense significance for the future of our nation.In the realm of academic studies focusing on the factors influencing the happiness levels of university students, methodologies such as factor analysis, regression analysis, correlation analysis, and logistic regression have been prevalently utilized. Nevertheless, this particular study distinguishes itself by employing decision tree methods, specifically the CART and CHAID algorithms, noted for their effectiveness in the analysis of extensive datasets. The research is based on primary data, gathered through face-to-face surveys conducted with students from Marmara University. The sample size, consisting of 600 participants, was ascertained using specially developed tables, and the Convenience Sampling method was employed in the design of the sample. Within the scope of this study, a total of 559 consistent data points, devoid of any missing observations, were subjected to analysis. The research initially investigates the correlation between the socio-demographic characteristics of the students and their levels of happiness. Subsequently, the applications of the CART and CHAID algorithms were executed using the SPSS software, focusing on two distinct dependent variables. The outcomes of this study indicate that socio-demographic elements, particularly factors such as income, age, and the occupations of the parents, exert a substantial influence on the happiness levels of individuals. Moreover, the study discerns a gender-based discrepancy in the primary sources of happiness, with love being predominant among women and success among men.