Completion rates for massive open online classes (MOOCs) are notoriously low, but learner intent is an important factor. By studying students who drop out despite their intent to complete the MOOC, it may be possible to develop interventions to improve retention and learning outcomes. Previous research into predicting MOOC completion has focused…

Using a national database, this study uses discriminant analysis to explore the role of citizenship status in determining intent to leave for pre-tenure faculty members at 4-year research universities. Of the 3 possible responses (intend to stay, intend to leave, and undecided), 2 functions emerged. The first function differentiates between those…

The research findings presented in this paper illustrate how the "value added" of schooling can be assessed empirically using cross-sectional data. Application of the regression-discontinuity approach within a multilevel framework produces both an estimate of the absolute effect of 1 year schooling and an estimate of the variation across…

A method for studying relationships among groups in terms of categorical data patterns is described. The procedure yields a dimensional representation of configural relationships among multiple groups and a quantitative scaling of categorical data patterns for use in subsequent assignment of new individuals to the groups. (Author/CTM)

An empirical comparison is made of three proposed indices of relative predictor variable contribution: (1) the scaled weights of the first discriminant function; (2) the total group estimates of the correlations between each predictor variable and the first function; and (3) the within-groups estimates of the correlations between each predictor…

The use of multiple regression analysis was compared to the use of discriminant function analysis in the prediction of college faculty rank. The multiple regression technique was shown to be generally superior in this instance. (JKS)

A reanalysis of data from a 1980 Miami University study on sentence-combining in freshman writing courses investigated the role of reading comprehension (measured by the Sequential Test of Educational Progress) as a predictor of growth in writing skills (measured by syntactic and qualitative criteria). (Author/PN)

With a sample of 531 children measured on 79 variables, a series of discriminant function predictions of school placement were computed to compare the results of selected alternative procedures for treating missing data in multivariate data analyses. Procedures included elimination of cases with missing data as well as methods for substituting…

This study investigated selected attitudinal and demographic factors, involvement, and philanthropic awareness of alumni donors and non-donors from a Research I, public university. A random sample of 500 alumni (250 donors and 250 non-donors) was selected from a population of 37,691, resulting in 371 (74 percent) usable surveys. Discriminant…

Default on guaranteed student loans has been increasing. The use of discriminant analysis as a technique to identify "good" v "bad" student loans based on information available from the loan application is discussed. Research to test the ability of models to such predictions is reported. (Author/MLW)

There is a need for improved techniques for selection of students and prediction of student success in vocational-technical education. This study concerns identification of the kinds of readily available data which may be used to predict student success in Pennsylvania area vocational-technical schools and to differentiate among the…

At the time of the First Followup Survey of the members of the High School Class of 1972, approximately 18 months after graduation, sixty-five percent were unemployed, and eight percent were out of work. Forty-two percent were taking academic courses in a college or university. Graduates of the vocational high school curriculum were employed at…