Cognitive Predictors of Final Grades in Finite Mathematics

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the predictive validity of using intelligence quotients, high school ranks, College Board Scholastic Aptitude Test-Mathematics (SAT-M) scores, and high school mathematics grades as predictors of the final grade in finite mathematics. A group of 123 freshmen who entered York College of Pennsylvania in September 1976 was the basis of the study. A stepwise multiple linear regression was conducted to test the predictive value of each of the variables. The findings of this research indicate that all combinations of the variables were significant at the .01 level. The SAT-M was the best predictor followed by the high school rank, high school mathematics grades, and intelligence quotients. The full model had a correlation of .611.

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