Measures of variability are successfully used in predictive modeling in research areas outside of education. This study examined how standard deviations can be used to address research questions not easily addressed using traditional measures such as group means based on index variables. Student survey data were obtained from the Organisation for…

A Model predicts a student's academic performance in his first year in a particular department at a university. It uses an aggregate selection score based on aggregate results obtained at a public examination along with a measure of the student's ability in one or more specific subjects or areas relevant to the department. (LBH)

A Markov chain is used to model the movement of undergraduates through the higher education system in Australia. Given the student's age on commencing a course of study, the model provides estimates of the probability of course completion, mean time for completion, and mean time spent in the higher education system. (Author/MSE)