Measures of biographical data, or biodata, provide indicators of one's life history and past experiences. Biodata information is often available in various forms during processes of academic admissions to higher education. Such information can be used, in combination with other factors, to predict students' future academic and extra-curricular…

The purpose of this research was to determine whether particular biographic and academic characteristics would predict whether an applicant would matriculate into and successfully complete an online secondary teacher certification program. Results of statistical analyses conducted on 170 applicants over the past three years affirm the importance…

As a part of a larger qualitative study, this research investigation explored the perceptions and attitudes that first-generation, urban college students have of their preparation for postsecondary education. The purposeful sample in this study was comprised of 13 first-generation college students (i.e., 6 males and 7 females) who were graduates…

In April 1987, a pilot study was undertaken to develop an instrument designed to assess the effects of life events on undergraduate students' academic performance. Focus was on the design and construction of the instrument--the Life Events and Academic Performance Questionnaire (LEAPQ). Subjects were 75 male and 75 female undergraduates at a large…

This study examines the effectiveness of biographical inventory data as a predictor of college performance particularly among the disadvantaged where current college entrance procedures provide less than a satisfactory alternative. The sample consisted of 1,640 students of which 982 were in special admissions programs, 554 were regular admission…

Assesses the effectiveness of a factored biographical inventory in predicting freshman GPAs, and suggests that biodata be considered in college selection. (Author/JN)

Historically, nontest variables have been used more frequently than achievement test scores in the prediction of educational progress, but research in this area has been largely empirical. Recently, however, a theoretical model based on the premise that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior was formulated. This model was used in a…

A questionnaire containing items on personal history, reasons for section selection, and sources of information about the instructor was administered to undergraduate students. The time at which class was scheduled and teacher reputation were the primary reasons for section choice. Other variables, considered less important by students, also…

The article traces the construction, validation, and revision of 24 biographical inventories resulting in the Form U Biographical Inventory, which yields four scores (academic performance, creativity, leadership, and artistic potential) to identify gifted and talented elementary and secondary students as defined by the U. S. Department of…

A Biographical Data Inventory (BDI) and a standard final evaluation form were developed and administered to practicing medical technologists and senior year medical technology students at a State university. A correlation of .68 between scores reinforced findings of other studies, suggesting that BDI's are useful in advisement and selection of…

This study examined relationships among conformity to biographical item writing rules, rated stability, and obtained response stability. First and second administration data were collected and a stability index was obtained on 88 items using a college freshmen sample (N=106). One group of judges then educed rules to discriminate between the more…

Research was undertaken to investigate improving selection criteria for several curricula at the Naval Postgraduate School using the Strong Vocational Interest Blank and a biographical questionnaire as indicators of academic success and satisfaction with curriculum and future assignments. The seven curricula investigated were merged into three…

The relationships among measures of vocational interest, life history data, educational performance, and number of courses taken (by area) were explored in a college freshman sample of 1,892 students. Canonical correlation analysis was used to uncover and describe the major relationships among the variable sets. (Author/JKS)

The construct validity of biographical items in the Individual Achievement Record (IAR) was assessed in an attempt to develop a confirmatory factor model. This first phase of a two-phase study focused on the IAR's use as a predictor of job performance. The IAR is an empirically keyed biodata inventory containing 112 multiple-choice items. Item…

A study investigated tenacity of adult students who have once again made their way back to academia. The specific purpose was to discover how these students understood their own history of college enrollment and their perceptions of themselves as persisters. Participants were 63 "tenacious persisters" in three sections of an orientation class at a…