YEARS-IN-TRAINING AND LOGICAL REASONING APTITUDE AS DETERMINANTS OF CONFLICT ENGAGEMENT EFFICACY AMONG COUNSELLOR-TRAINEES IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN OGUN STATE

Abstract

This study examines the impact of years–in–training and logical reasoning aptitude on the

conflict management efficacy of counsellor-trainees in tertiary institutions in Ogun State. A

descriptive survey design was employed to examine the variables in a non-manipulative way. Additionally, a stratified sampling procedure was used to select 200 counsellor-trainees across all levels of study in the Faculty of Education of tertiary institutions in Ogun State. Two standardized scales were used for data collection. Section A of the questionnaire provided information on participants' years-in-training and other relevant demographic details. Sections

B and C consisted of the Conflict Resolution Behaviour Questionnaire (CRBQ), with a reliability coefficient of 0.75, and the Logical Reasoning Aptitude Scale (LRAS), with α = 0.73. Two research questions were raised and answered at the 0.05 level of significance, using Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation (PPMC) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) statistical tools. Results revealed a significant positive relationship between conflict engagement efficacy and logical reasoning aptitude: r(198) =0.146, p<.05, r2 = 0.021. Thus, logical reasoning aptitude accounted for a 2% increase in conflict engagement efficacy. Furthermore, a Welch ANOVA summary revealed a statistically significant difference in conflict engagement efficacy across years in training among counsellor-trainees in tertiary institutions in Ogun State; F(3,60)= 2.999,

p < 0.05. Based on the findings, the study recommends the inclusion of logical reasoning skills and conflict engagement techniques in counselling training sessions, as well as a thoroughly supervised practicum exercise for counselling students in tertiary institutions.