A Predictive Validity Study of the Learning Ability Profile with Collegiate-Level Officer Cadets: Some Canadian Data

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to test the predictive validity of the Learning Ability Profile (LAP) test, developed by Henning to obtain a quantitative measure of learning abilities. The results obtained on the LAP were correlated with grade point averages (GPA) of two academic sessions and with the results of the individual courses followed by the subjects during the same period. The sample consisted of 94 French speaking students at Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean in Canada. The LAP scores were only significantly correlated with the GPA of the first academic session (.20) as well as with the grades of a few specific courses followed during that session: Calculus (.22), Chemistry (.84), Economics (.35), and Linguistics (.33). Such results could indicate a better predictive validity of the LAP with respect to quantitative rather than verbal courses. Research considerations regarding increased predictive validity of the LAP were also presented.

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