IMPACT OF COGNITIVE SKILLS ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF FINAL YEAR UNDERGRADUATES WITH THE MODERATING EFFECT OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO UNIVERSITIES IN THE WESTERN PROVINCE

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of cognitive skills on the academic performance of undergraduates in Sri Lanka and examine the moderating effect of university extracurricular activities on the relationship between cognitive skills and academic performance of undergraduates in Sri Lanka. Cognitive skills were conceptualized in terms of creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Management Faculty undergraduates from state universities in the Western Province make up the population. In this study, out of the target population, 342 undergraduates were selected as the sample. This study used quantitative research methods, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to final-year undergraduates in the Western Province. The findings of this study indicate that there is a significant impact of undergraduates’ cognitive skills on academic performance, and that higher levels of extracurricular activities strengthen the relationship between cognitive skills and academic performance. This study's findings provide better guidance for university undergraduates to become more productive and effective through national universities in Sri Lanka. The results of the study could guide the creation of curricula by highlighting the value of encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking in management undergraduates. It is recommended that state universities take necessary action to develop undergraduates’ cognitive skills in an appropriate manner.