A study of 1,849 freshmen at York University (Ontario) found that traditional students enjoy a slight advantage over first-generation students in grade point average (GPA). While traditional students have higher levels of involvement than first-generation students, for both groups involvement in various university activities contributes to GPA.…

Describes a study of the effectiveness of the Colorado Core Transfer Program (CORE), or general education course requirements at all state community colleges. Indicates that students who completed CORE transferred more credits and completed courses at a higher rate than noncompleters, but that no significant differences in grades were found. (AJL)

Presents the results of a study that reveals that the determinants of habitual cheating are much the same as those that relate to having cheated at least once (versus never having cheated). Suggests that habitual cheating is related inversely to grade point average but related positively to having seen others cheat. (MJP)

Studied the use of a computer-based instructional package called SuccessMaker with disruptive students to determine its effects on locus of control and grade point average. Results of pretests and posttests showed an improvement in academic outcomes when the intervention was teacher facilitated. (LRW)

Examined measures of student role evaluation, commitment to student role, and self-good student role incongruence to predict level of personal distress experienced by nontraditional college students (N=179). Found that self-evaluation and commitment to student role had effect on student role congruence, which had effect on academic performance and…

Two experiments involving 301 college students (141 males and 160 females) indicate that gender differences in self-prediction of first-semester grade point average may be at least partly attributable to self-presentational style, with women adopting a modest self-presentational style motivated by attempts to protect the self-esteem of the…

Describes survey of 300 undergraduates on alcohol abuse. Shows significant relationships between alcohol abuse and nine variables. The demographic/social variables of gender, age, and grade point average (GPA) related significantly to students' alcohol abuse. Important single predictors of abuse included familial abuse, depression, state anxiety,…

To study whether different forms of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) used since the mid-1970s varied in their correlations with academic performance criteria, 1975 and 1985 forms were administered to 1,554 and 1,753 high school juniors, respectively. The 1975 form did not have greater validity than the 1985 form. (SLD)

The reliability and validity of multiple-choice tests were computed as a function of the number of options per item and student ability for 435 parochial high school juniors, who were administered the Washington Pre-College Test Battery. Results suggest the efficacy of the three-option item. (SLD)

Studied whether individual differences in print exposure and exposure to other media can account for individual differences in acquired declarative knowledge, controlling for confounds between experience and ability. Results with 268 undergraduates (90 males and 178 females) suggest that exposure is a significant contributor to knowledge…

A study correlated the results of 25 medical school course examinations (largely multiple-choice), a standardized critical thinking inventory, undergraduate and medical school grade point averages, and medical college admissions test scores for 196 preclinical medical students. Findings suggest that objective multiple-choice examinations can at…

Investigates the self-regulated learning strategies first-generation students employ. Uses Bandura's "Self-Regulated Learning" subscale to measure grade point average and academic success. Indicates that high scholastic performance was most associated with perceived capability to concentrate on schoolwork and meet assigned deadlines. (16…

Examined the impact of an urban, high school-based day care center on low-income parenting teens and their children. Retrospective record reviews indicated that participating students showed improvement in overall grade point average. All students graduated or were promoted to the next grade. No participants experienced repeat pregnancies. Most…

Examined students' exposure to neighborhood and school danger and its effects on attendance, school behavior, and grades in a national sample of middle and high school students. Found that males, African Americans, high schoolers, school lunch recipients, and urban students reported higher exposure to environmental danger. Neighborhood and school…

Research finds that the availability of specific coping resources can alleviate the more harmful effects of stress among adolescents. Although studies have investigated the relationship between coping resources and various outcomes among general samples of youth, no research has focused on adolescents who report high personal standards in…