Educational assessment and, more broadly, educational research in the United States have entered into an era characterized by a dramatic increase in the prevalence and importance of test score use in accountability systems. This volume covers a selection of contemporary issues about testing science and practice that impact the nation's public…

A survey of one university's graduate students examined influences on their initial consideration of the university and their ultimate decision to enroll. Variations in factors among the academic colleges of the institution were revealed. Further research on college choice within the graduate student population is recommended. (MSE)

A study investigated the influence of various information sources on graduate students' communicative, social, and academic expectations. Specifically, the study examined whether (1) those students who received preentry information about a university from an informal source would perceive that more of their expectations were met than would those…

Presents results of a survey on the usefulness of economic concepts to graduates of a management of technology program. Reports that the students judge microeconomics to be more useful than macroeconomics in providing tools for decision making. Concludes that concepts should be taught by stressing relevant applications. (DK)

Intended for use in a 3-hour instructional program at the graduate level, the packet contains an outline of the instructional content, 9 transparencies, 12 handouts, and 7 supplementary materials. The outline is organized in terms of content, instructor activity (such as showing a transparency), and student activity. Instruction covers the…

Reports on a study of professional socialization and the emergence of career aspirations among 566 graduate students in sociology. Finds that access to initial funding and mentoring have substantial effects on students' professional socialization. (CFR)

This workbook is the final program in a four part series to help individuals decide if a doctoral program is for them. Participants in the program systemically look at commitment, career goals, possible alternatives, and action strategies in regard to pursuing doctoral studies. In determining commitment, internal and external hindrances to…

A survey and interviews with 1,600 students at 1 university investigated how college choice criteria differed among white, black, and Hispanic students; how choice criteria differed between all students and business majors; and how choice criteria differed between undergraduate and graduate business students. Results revealed different rankings of…

A survey of 1,499 graduate business students at 7 colleges and universities investigated perceptions of potential benefits of an advanced degree, and their relationships with degree type, school size/type, and student characteristics. Five perceived benefits included research and analytical skills, competitive advantage, monetary reward, career…

A study at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine evaluated the predictive value of the rank list generated in evaluating applicants for a surgery residency. Rough rankings computed directly from ratings of applicants were found to be more predictive of first year residents' performance than faculty's final rankings…