Low motivation to perform well on a test is a potentially problematic source of construct-irrelevant variance (Messick, 1980), especially when there are low or no stakes attached to performance. That is, interpretations of test scores as indicators of students' knowledge and skills may be compromised if those students do not put forth the effort…

In higher education in the state of Arkansas, two courses are considered to be gateway courses to obtaining a college degree--College Algebra and English Composition I. While students may obtain Certificates of Proficiency and Technical Certificates without taking these courses, few, if any, can earn an Associate's or Bachelor's degree without…

Uses a general theory of domain identification to describe achievement barriers faced by women in advanced quantitative areas and African Americans in school. Research with approximately 250 African American college students and standardized test scores show the effects of stereotype threat on the achievement of these groups. (SLD)

The role of apprehension in the writing competency and writing performance of 110 college undergraduates was investigated. The hypotheses stated that high apprehensives would perform differently than low apprehensives on standardized tests and on two essay tests. The hypothesis for writing performance on standardized tests was confirmed, but the…

The document presents the findings of a multiple regression analysis and a factor analysis of variables used in the prediction of student performance after two years of participation in Project APEX. This project seeks to demonstrate that 24 disadvantaged students with college potential can succeed in a special university program. Subjects were…

The relationship between job performance and job satisfaction was evaluated using a longitudinal model. During the winter quarter of 1987, approximately 2,000 students at the University of Tennessee (Knoxville) received a student satisfaction survey designed to measure student opinions about programs and services at the university and department…

One of the many criticisms leveled at standardized testing is that the time limits commonly used require a speed component of performance which may act to the disadvantaged of certain culturally defined groups. Recent studies by the authors examined the question of differential time limits and group performance for standardized academic aptitude…

An ongoing study was initiated to provide a reliable means of defining and measuring factors affecting students' performance as they move from high school to college, including the reasons why some are more able than others to excel and/or persist. The study provides public high schools, colleges, universities and the Missouri Coordinating Board…