Graph Construction as a Distinct Academic Ability and Predictor of Academic Performance in College

• In Event: Roundtable Session 27
  In Roundtable Session: Roundtable: Predictors of Mathematics Learning and Achievement

Abstract

In this study of students who persisted at college for four semesters, their college-entering test scores in mathematics, writing, and reading were correlated with their scores on a graphing task administered upon entry, and the relative strength of graph construction ability as a predictor of four semester grade-point average was tested. Moderate to strong correlations were found between all pairs of graphing task scales, confirming the validity of the graph creation construct. Although weak or insignificant correlations between other test scores and graph creation scores were observed, students with high math scores performed significantly better than those with low math scores. Graph creation scores served as a weak predictor of four-semester GPA, but it was comparable to other test scores.

Authors

• Frank Anthony Cerreto, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey

• Jung Lee, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey