EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES IN THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY. STUDY CASE IN AN ECUADORIAN UNIVERSITY

Abstract

The main objective of the investigation was to determine the perception about equal opportunities in
an Ecuadorian university, based on the design and application of a reliable and valid measuring
instrument. For the collection of information, an instrument was designed and applied to a sample of
136 members of the university community (students, administrative staff and academic staff)
selected by casual sampling. Prior to showing the adequacy of the data, KMO index = 0.849, the
dimensions of equal opportunities were identified: (1) personal beliefs, (2) equal access and
permanence, (3) non-discriminatory treatment, and (4) affirmative measures of the institution, as
confirmed in the factor analysis performed. These three dimensions explain more than 59% of the
total variance. The reliability analysis performed (= 0.898) for all dimensions demonstrates the
internal consistency of the scale used and the statistical tests performed (significant at 5%) allowed
determining the validity of the content, concept and criteria of the instrument. The results obtained
suggest a generalized positive perception in the university community about the exercise of equality
in the institution, evaluated by respondents using a Likert scale from 1 (totally disagree) to 5 (totally
agree).