Predicting Performance in Higher Education Using Proximal Predictors

A Susan M Niessen, Rob R Meijer, Jorge N Tendeiro

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

35 Citations (Scopus)
370 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

We studied the validity of two methods for predicting academic performance and student-program fit that were proximal to important study criteria. Applicants to an undergraduate psychology program participated in a selection procedure containing a trial-studying test based on a work sample approach, and specific skills tests in English and math. Test scores were used to predict academic achievement and progress after the first year, achievement in specific course types, enrollment, and dropout after the first year. All tests showed positive significant correlations with the criteria. The trial-studying test was consistently the best predictor in the admission procedure. We found no significant differences between the predictive validity of the trial-studying test and prior educational performance, and substantial shared explained variance between the two predictors. Only applicants with lower trial-studying scores were significantly less likely to enroll in the program. In conclusion, the trial-studying test yielded predictive validities similar to that of prior educational performance and possibly enabled self-selection. In admissions aimed at student-program fit, or in admissions in which past educational performance is difficult to use, a trial-studying test is a good instrument to predict academic performance.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere0153663
Number of pages14
JournalPLoS ONE
Volume11
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13-Apr-2016

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Predicting Performance in Higher Education Using Proximal Predictors'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this