A Study of the Predictability of High School Grades - and the Differential Aptitude Tests for Success in Vocational Programs in Health Careers - A Thesis

Sep 17, 2026

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This study determines the validity of the Differential Aptitude Test (DAT) and compares its differential validity with High School Rank (HSR) for predicting success in vocational programs in health careers. Data from 127 students across five health occupation programs include DAT scores, HSR, training examination results, final GPA, NLN vocational achievement test scores, and DCE certification results for two programs. Pearson correlations show HSR correlates more strongly with criterion measures than DAT scores, and HSR predicts DCE Theory subtest better than DAT.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

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Pages52

Reading Time2 h 11 min

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Abstract

Predictive validity and correlation results

Implications and study limitations

2019年1月1日 DOCUMENT RESUME ED 068697 Anderson,Ruth AUTHOR # A Study of.the Predictability of High School Gradesand the Differential Aptitude Tests for Success inVocational Programs in Health Careers.Dec 71 TITLE PUB DATE 63p.;M.S.Thesis,Wisconsin University NOTE MF-$0.65 HC-$3.29 EDRS PRICE Academic Achievement;*Grades(Scholastic);*HealthOccupations Education;*Masters Theses;PostSecondary Education;*Predictive Ability(Testing);*Predictor VariablesDAT;Dif ferential Aptitude Test DESCRIPTORS I DENTIFIERS ## ABSTRACT This study was undertaken to determine the validityof the Differential Aptitude Test(DAT)in general,the differentialvalidity of each score of the DAT,and the effectiveness of highschool rank(HSR)as a measure of past performance for predictingsuccess in vocational programs in health careers.Data obtained for asample of 127 students representing five health occupation programsconsisted of:(1)DAT scores,(2)HSR,(3)results of a comprehensiveexamination at the end of the first quarter of training,(4)finalgrade point average,(5)scores on a vocational achievement test(NLN),and(6)a certifying examination(DCE)for two programs in thesample.Pearson Product Moment correlations revealed that HSR showeda higher correlation with each of the criterion measures than _any ofthe DAT scores.HSR was a better predictor of success in the Theorysubtest of the DCE_than of any of the skill-oriented_subtests.Withrespect to the prediction measures and the vocational achievementtest,the only independent correlations of some magnitude werebetween DAT scores and the NLN.(Author/SB) . 26989003 VTe17222 U.S.OEPARTMENT OF HEALTH,EOUCATION&WELFAREOFFICE OF EOUCATIONTHIS oOCUMENT HAS BEEN REPRO.OUCEO EXACTLY AS RECEIVEO FROMTHE PERSON OR ORGANIZATION ORIG·INATING IT.POINTS OF VIEW OR OPIN.IONS STATEO 00 NOT NECESSARILYREPRESENT OFFICIAL OFFICE OF EOU.CATION POSITION OR POLICY. A STUDY OF TiE PREDICTABILITY OF HIGH SCHOOL GRADES AND THE DIFFERENTIAL APTITUDETESTS.FOR SUCCESS IN VOCATIONAL PROGRAMSIN HEALTH CAREERS A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the University of Nisconsin-La CrosseLa Crosse,Wisconsin FILMED FROM BEST AVAILABLE COPY In Partial FulPillmentof the Requirements for the DegreeMaster of Science --School of Psychoiogy by Ruth AndersonDecember,1971 GRADUATE COLLEGE Candidate: Ruth Anderson We reconamend acceptance of this thesis to the Graduate Coll.ege inpartial fulfillment of this candidate's requirements for thedegree Master of Science~-School Psychology. /1/Date 五. Tnesis七tee MenberThesis Corenittee MembernareaThesis Conittee Mener /2-177 12/1917 Date This thesis is appzoved for the Graauate College. Dean,Graduatc College Date ABSTRACT This study vwas undertaken to determine the validityof the Differential Aptitude Test(DAT)in general,thedifferential validity of each score of the DAT,and theeffectiveness of high school rank(HSR)as a measure ofpast performance for predicting success in vocationalprograms in health careers. Such information is desirablebecause of the increasing need for personnel in healthcareers,the increasing applications to vocational-technical schools,and the limited training facilitiesfor clinical practice. Selection of students must beas objective and efficient as possible. The population in this study was composed of 127students representing five separate vocational programsin health careers who were enrolled in one vocational-technical school in the Fall of 1970. Data availablewere DAT scores and HSR for the total sample,the resultsof a comprehensive examination at the end of the firstquarter of training,and the final grade point average(GPA)of the students. Also available were scores ona vocational achievement test(NLN)and a certifyingexamination(DCE)for two separate programs in the sample. Pearson Product Moment correlations were obtained forall the predictor and criterion variables. H

FAQs

What was the purpose of the study on health-care vocational program success?

To determine the validity of the Differential Aptitude Test (DAT) and evaluate whether High School Rank (HSR) more effectively predicts success in vocational programs in health careers.

Which predictor correlated more with the criterion measures: HSR or DAT?

HSR showed a higher correlation with each criterion measure than any of the DAT scores.

How did HSR and DAT compare for predicting DCE results?

HSR predicted success in the DCE Theory subtest better than any DAT score, while only limited significant correlations were found between DAT and DCE skill-oriented subtests.

Sep 17, 2026

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