Evaluation of an Admission Procedure for Higher Education in the Netherlands

Geißler, Lion (2023) Evaluation of an Admission Procedure for Higher Education in the Netherlands. Master thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

Subject specific knowledge tests have been found to be good predictors of academic performance. The purpose of this applied research thesis is to examine the predictive validity of three locally developed psychology knowledge tests that were part of the selection procedure for master’s programs at the University of Groningen in 2021. Based on their scores and predetermined thresholds students were classified into two groups, and then selected based on a weighted lottery. We analyzed how well the scores on the general psychology knowledge test, the clinical psychology knowledge test, the clinical neuropsychology knowledge test, first obtained grade and introductory course grades predict academic performance. For our analysis of the predictive validity Pearson’s correlations between three test scores, and measures of academic performance were computed. To explore the effect of using alternative thresholds for classifying scores on the general psychology knowledge test, we performed two ROC curve analyses. The results confirmed that scores on all three knowledge tests were good predictors of academic performance. Similarly, the first obtained grade was also a good positive predictor of subsequent academic performance. Results for the predictive validity of introductory course grades were inconclusive. This thesis replicates previous research findings on the predictive power of subject-specific knowledge tests for academic performance. We also provide an alternative threshold that may improve the sensitivity of the general knowledge test. The implications of these findings, as well as the limitations and directions for future research are discussed.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Supervisor name:	Kiers, H.A.L.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	Talent Development and Creativity (TDC) [Master Psychology]
Date Deposited:	30 Jun 2023 09:12
Last Modified:	30 Jun 2023 09:12
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/2113

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