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An Analysis of Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations in Economics and Comparative Government and Politics AP

Author(s):
Breland, Hunter M.; Oltman, Philip K.
Publication Year:
2001
Report Number:
RR-01-17
Source:
ETS Research Report
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
31
Subject/Key Words:
College Board, Advanced Placement Examinations, Gender Differences, Faculty Survey, College Credit, Economics, Government

Abstract

Advanced Placement Program (AP) Examinations in Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, and Comparative Government and Politics were studied to examine college course performance and gender differences. It was concluded that students who had received college credit for AP performed as well or better in higher-level college courses in Macroeconomics and Microeconomics than students who had not taken AP courses. Gender differences in performance were observed in all three examinations, but the greatest gender differences, favoring male students, were observed for Comparative Government and Politics. A survey of instructors of Comparative Government and Politics indicated that only a small percentage of instructors had observed gender differences in performance in their courses, however.

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