Predicting Major Field of Study : Freshman Self-Predictions or Psychometric Predictions? / Robert F. Stahmann.

Based upon a multiple discriminant analysis of individual entrance examination data and upon a classification analysis of self-predictions, this study was an attempt to classify or predict major field of study at graduation for a sample of university students. University of Utah graduates of 1962 through 1966, in selected fields of study, served as the population. The study required two samples, and experimental sample upon which the discriminant functions were computed, and a cross-validation sample upon which the predictions as to major field of study were made. The results showed great variability as to the predictions which were obtained by the different systems of data among the various fields of study. It was concluded that there were characteristics measurable at the time students enter the university as freshmen which distinguish, as groups, students who eventually graduated in specific major fields of study. (Author)

Microfiche. [Washington D.C.]: ERIC Clearinghouse microfiches : positive.