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Comparative Prediction at the College Level

Author(s):
French, John Winslow, 1918-
Publication Year:
1950
Report Number:
RM-50-07
Source:
ETS Research Memorandum
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
8
Subject/Key Words:
Career Choice, Course Selection (Students), Factor Analysis, Majors (Students), Test Batteries

Abstract

The present Scholastic Aptitude Test, when used in conjunction with achievement variables such as high school grades and achievement test scores, serves to predict college success in general. By considering the scores received on different achievement tests and course grades and by considering separately the SAT-M and SAT-V, it would be possible to arrive at some different predictions for success in the various major fields of college or the various occupations. However, the variety in the nature of the work among the major fields and among the occupations suggests that better prediction in specific fields could result from a wider tapping of the subject's characteristics than that which is provided by course grades and present CEEB tests. Since present achievement tests appropriately tend to follow the pattern of courses taken by the student, it is the aptitude testing area that could be extended. In addition, personality, attitude and interest tests should most certainly help in comparative prediction, if we can devise satisfactory measures of them.

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