Examines Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores and undergraduate academic factors for their prediction of performance on the Graduate Record Examination Subject Test in Psychology (GRE-P). Indicates that SAT performance affects GRE-P performance directly and indirectly. Certain academic factors, such as psychology grade point average and the…

The purpose of this paper is to show the effect of using a selection test on the average criterion score of the entering class. The correlation coefficient (times 100) is shown to be the percentage of improvement of using the selection test over what would happen on the average if the test were not used. A simple formula is developed for…

This case study was designed to demonstrate how an institution could use readily available archival data to produce a simple yet informative validity study as a necessary step in understanding the effectiveness of their selection process. Results indicated the GRE does not significantly predict graduate school success across all disciplines…

Where human beings are concerned and complex behavior is involved, prediction of future performance is no simple matter. Scientifically developed, systematically standardized and carefully validated tests have emerged as the most reliable tools in predictive efficacy. If opponents of standardized testing win, society will lose. (Author/CM)

The following ways of linking results from distinct assessments to use them for multiple purposes are reviewed: (1) equating; (2) calibration; (3) statistical moderation; (4) prediction; and (5) social moderation. The characteristics of these methods, their requirements, and the comparative inferences they support are described. (SLD)

Compared scores on Survey of Inter-Personal Values (SIV) and Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal between 25 elementary education, 25 special education, and 10 speech correction majors to examine critical thinking ability and interpersonal values. Significant difference appeared only on SIV Benevolence subscale. Discussed relevance for…

Examined significance of PCAT scores, prepharmacy GPA, math and science GPA, and attainment of a previous college degree in predicting first-year pharmacy GPA. Asserts that the best predictive model incorporated all variables, while the most parsimonious model included math and science GPA and the PCAT chemistry subscore. The PCAT was a…

If it can be shown that the Scholastic Aptitude Test mathematics test (SAT-M) is a reasonably good predictor of success in particular mathematics courses, it may have a role as a measure of prerequisite skills. The predictive validity of the SAT-M was studied by collecting grades from freshman mathematics courses at 10 colleges (3,499 students).…

Investigated the capacity of the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) to predict success in pharmacy school. Found demographic differences in PCAT scores, and that the PCAT used in combination with pre-pharmacy grade point average is meaningful in assessing applicants to pharmacy school; applicants with PCAT composite percentile scores below 40…

The usefulness of tests for college admissions decisions, guidance, and student placement is discussed by a representative of the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Since high school curricula often vary among schools in both content and quality, standardized test scores provide a common measure of applicant performace and indicate a grasp of…

This paper describes the Multiple Assessment Programs and Services (MAPS) Placement Research Service. Students entering nonselective colleges show a wide range of ability. The College Board offers these colleges a number of tests of reading, writing, and mathematics skills for use in placing students appropriately. The MAPS Placement Research…

Of those who wrote the 11 signed papers in this report, the variety of their learning and experiences brings an interplay of different points of view on the topic of ability testing. This document describes the theory and practice of testing; illuminates competing interests in a balanced fashion; and helps those who make decisions with tests or…

Talent identification in most sports occurs through mass participation and the process of natural selection; track and field does not enjoy such widespread participation. This paper reports on a project undertaken for the following purposes: improve the means by which youth with the potential for high level performance can be identified; develop…

This user handbook includes four main sections: (1) components of the American College Testing (ACT) Program Assessment; (2) ACT Assessment Reports and Data Services; (3) using ACT student data; and (4) ACT assessment participation. The components described are the four tests of educational development, the High School Course/Grade Information…

The California Critical Thinking Skills Test: College Level (CCTST) is a standardized test that targets core college-level critical thinking skills. It has been characterized as the best commercially available critical thinking skills assessment instrument. Building from CCTST validation studies in 1989 and 1990, this paper proposes avenues for…