Instrumental variables is a popular approach for causal inference in education when randomization of treatment is not feasible. Using a first-year college program as a running example, this article reviews the five assumptions that must be met to successfully use instrumental variables to estimate a causal effect with observational data: SUTVA,…

Selection bias is a persistent, and often hidden, problem in educational research. It is the primary obstacle standing in between increasingly available large education datasets and the ability to make valid causal inferences to inform policymaking, research, and practice (Stuart, 2010). This article provides an accessible discussion on the…

This paper reports a review of studies on admission criteria for MBA programs. The method consisted in a literary review based on a systematic search in international databases (Emerald, ABI/INFORM Global, ProQuest Education Journals, ProQuest European Business, ProQuest Science Journal, ProQuest Research Library, ProQuest Psychology Journals,…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the characteristics of teacher incentive pay programs used by midsize to large school districts in Missouri. Design/methodology/approach: This study primarily used the Teacher Compensation Programs (TCP) survey data. The TCP survey was developed by the authors to understand the nature and…

This review presents a novel framework for evaluating evidence based on a set of parallel criteria that can be applied to both group and single-subject experimental design (SSED) studies. The authors illustrate use of this evaluation system in a systematic review of 67 articles investigating social skills interventions for preschoolers with autism…

Applies the judgment analysis technique (JAN) to the decision-making procedure of learning disabilities (LD) specialists. Each group of learning disabilities specialists, as formed by JAN, represented a different judgmental policy or a different construct of learning disabilities. (Author/RK)

Mounting pressure in the policy arena to improve teacher productivity either by improving signals that predict teacher performance or through creating incentive contracts based on performance--has spurred two related questions: Are there important determinants of teacher productivity that are not captured by teacher credentials but that can be…

Describes a study of computer science majors conducted at Purdue University to determine what factors predict academic success or lack of it. Results show that strength in mathematical and verbal skills is necessary for success as indicated by SAT scores, minimum number of high school mathematics credits, and class standing. (MBR)

A study of admission data for 1,014 medical graduates and 57 dropouts revealed that the best predictor of the graduate vs. dropout hierarchy was a six-variable combination of the quantitative ability subtest of the MCAT, premedical grades, and personality inventory scales for status potential, socialization, communality, and conformist achievement…

Results of the study showed no significant difference as to final first year grade point average or academic penalty between groups admitted on the basis of open admission, interview, teacher recommendations, Grade 13 academic achievement and Service for Admission to College and Universities (SACU) test scores, and traditional criteria. (JT)

The teaching-learning paradox can be resolved using principles of good design and criteria for evaluating good instruction, suggests this professor of psychology. A checklist of criteria for determining the effectiveness of the teaching-learning experience is provided from the point of view of student learning. (LBH)

A Purdue University study of veterinary school students' first-year grade point averages in relationship to several variables concluded that in addition to traditional criteria, performance in specific preveterinary courses (in this case, 2-semester organic chemistry) and personality measures contribute to predicting success in veterinary school…

This research was conducted in an attempt to construct empirically derived biographical scoring keys for predicting the academic and practice-teaching performance of students in the first-year teacher education program at a Canadian university. Also attempts to use these measures to select applicants for the program. (Author/RK)

Common factor scores were compared to unfactored data-level variables as predictors in terms of the correlation of a criterion with the predicted value in multiple regression equations applied to replication (cross-validation) samples. (Editor)

A study of the relationship between the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), grade point average (GPA), the quality of undergraduate college attended (Austin index) and the preclinical performance of underrepresented minority students at Case Western Reserve University of Medicine showed all three to have predictive value, the Austin index…