Factor analysis was used to examine underlying structures for both admission and clinical performance measures. Multiple regression showed that admission interview comments best predict narrative clerkship performance, while objective scores best predict an objective measure of clinical knowledge. (Author/MLW)

Reviews three alternative cognitive approaches for verbal comprehension. Discusses a theory of learning from context and cites empirical data to support the theory. Presents a componential framework for understanding verbal comprehension and suggests that the ability to acquire information from context is a key source of individual differences in…

Examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of fifth- and eighth-grade urban parochial school students (N=3,785) regarding alcoholic beverages. Survey results showed a religiously oriented school environment had little influence on drinking behavior. Family, friends, and cultural norms were strong influences. Sixth and seventh grades appear…

Discusses the problem of student retention in higher education and warns that colleges that fail to develop effective programs of student retention will not be able to offset enrollment losses resulting from the dwindling college-bound pool. Experts agree that the total higher education community must work together. (JAC)

Examined the relationships of reading and math achievement with intelligence and adaptive behavior in Anglo, Black, and Mexican American children (N=345). The variance accounted for by the full model (race, sex, age, and socioeconomic status) was significant for reading and math. Variance associated with race and socioeconomic status was…

Surveyed high school graduating seniors (N=401) and guidance counselors, (N=536) concerning influences on college choice. Results showed that important factors included availability of specific programs; reputation, location, and size; and counselor and parent recommendations. (WAS)

Reports the methodology and results of a research project which assessed the level of computer literacy among 119 education majors. The predictor variables studied were locus of control, age, sex, number of college math courses, and basic math skills. A questionnaire used in the survey is appended. (EAO)

Examines the effects of high school performance, high school and university mathematics background, previous computer experience, and age on computer science aptitude and achievement as measured by a computer science aptitude test and final exam respectively. Methodology and analysis of results by stepwise regression are presented. (EAO)

Path analysis was used to provide a comprehensive test of the validity of Tinto's causal model of voluntary withdrawal from a postsecondary institution. This study also tests Tinto's hypothesis of compensatory interactions between social and academic integration and between institutional and goal commitment. (Author/PN)

Step-wise linear regressions were used to relate children's age, sex, and body composition to performance on basic motor abilities including balance, speed, agility, power, coordination, and reaction time, and to health-related fitness items including flexibility, muscle strength and endurance and cardiovascular functions. Eighty subjects were in…

This study attempted to determine whether certain demographic factors, Intelligence Quotient tests, or achievement tests best predict achievement of second through fourth grade students. Findings suggest that the group mental ability test did not add to the knowledge gained from a comprehensive achievement testing program. (Authors/PP)

The various costs of Type I and Type II errors of inference from data are discussed. Six methods for minimizing each error type are presented, which may be employed even after data collection for Type I and which minimizes Type II errors by a study design and analytical means combination. (Author/CM)

To ascertain predictive relationships between and within cognitive tempo and cognitive level characteristics of moderately retarded children, the Matching Familiar Figures Test and Essential Math and Language Skills Inventory were administered. No significant predictive relationship from cognitive tempo to level was indicated, but elements of…

Measures of academic job involvement, verbal ability, academic performance, and satisfaction with courses and with college in general, obtained for 155 students during the freshman year, were correlated with attrition on a two-year followup. Freshman grade point average and satisfaction with college in general were two significant predictors of…

A study was conducted to determine variables which would predict smoking among 297 seventh graders and to test the validity of the variables in a followup one year later. The most valid predictors were number of friends and siblings who smoked and the intention to smoke in the future. (PP)