Describes a criterion group classification scheme commonly used in conjunction with discriminant function analysis and suggests that clinicians consider membership probabilities for each criterion group of interest. Illustrates this approach using data from a study in which discriminant analysis was used to identify characteristics of problem…

To identify classroom behaviors that differentiate primary-level students with learning disabilities (LD) from their nondisabled peers, two scales of 83 items each were devised and piloted. Two subscales and 18 individual items were found to discriminate students later classified as LD and those referred but not subsequently classified as LD.…

This study tested the convergent and discriminant validity between two theories of college persistence: the Student Attrition Model and the Student Integration Model. The study examined conceptual similarities for each theory to explain departure decisions and examined how both theoretical frameworks enhanced the understanding of the processes…

The paper describes the application of discriminant analysis to the identification of academically gifted elementary grade students. The principles of discriminant analysis are explained to provide a weighted profile of scores across predictor variables which are then compared with a criterion measure. An illustration of the method's used with 64…

Individualized instruction programs have imposed an increased reliance on tests as a means of selecting and routing students through sometimes complex programs. Testing which occurs within the training sequence is particularly vulnerable to inefficient use of both trainee and instructor time, but computer-based instruction system can provide a…

The psychometric properties of the Self-Report Depression Questionnaire (SRDQ) were evaluated, extending a previous assessment of this instrument. Data from two independent studies (Esbensen, 2004; Seltzer & Krauss, 1989) were pooled to generate a sample of 192 individuals with primarily mild or moderate mental retardation. Reliability estimates…

The discriminant validity of two subscales of the Reynell Developmental Language Scales (RDLS) was investigated using data from 225 children given the RDLS at age 4 and the Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities at age 5. Results support the hypothesis; the RDLS scales measure distinct but correlated language abilities. (SLD)

In 1986, a study was conducted by the Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) to evaluate the relationship between reading placement scores and classroom performance. The study sample consisted of students from fall 1985, spring 1986, and fall 1986 who had been tested using the College Board Assessment and Placement Test upon…

A study used an existing data set to assess the predictive validity of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) for civilian occupations. (The ASVAB is a multiple-aptitude test battery used by all military services to determine the qualifications of candidates for enlistment and assign enlistees to military occupations.) The…

A recategorization system developed by Bannatyne to categorize subtest scatter from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) is used as an alternative to isolated analysis of each individual subtest. Reading disabled, learning disabled, and educable mentally handicapped students are categorized according to their performance…

Describes a survey of 356 adult students enrolled in university-level courses at the Open Learning Institute which was conducted to assess the predictive validity of Tinto's theoretical model of student dropout. It was found that, overall, the Tinto model appears to be a useful framework for such investigations. (Author/LRW)

Safran Student Interest Inventory (SSII) data was gathered on 135 university students registered in five different faculties. A discriminant analysis of the data indicated that the SSII was a good test for separating students into faculties and therefore would make a good counselling instrument. Some results are also present using Differential…

To determine whether it is necessary for eight College Research Center (CRC) member colleges to use 16 distinct sets of weight in combining four admissions tests scores into predictive composities, a standard set of weights were developed and tested for effectiveness in predicting Freshman Average Grade (FAG). The basic sample in which weights…

The study reported here sought to establish the predictive validity of the Miller Assessment for Preschoolers (MAP), an instrument designed to identify preschool children at risk for school-related problems in the primary years. Children (N=338) in 11 states who were originally tested in 1980 as part of the MAP standardization project were given a…

Random samples of 1979 and 1980 entering freshmen were given the Non-Cognitive Questionnaire (NCQ), which was designed to assess noncognitive dimensions predicting minority student academic success. The validity of the NCQ in predicting graduation after five and six years was determined. The graduation rate was found to differ significantly for…