Using Latent Transition Analysis to Examine Change Over Time in Community College Noncognitive Skill Profiles

• In Event: 61.044 - College Student Development and Learning Across Institutional Types

Abstract

The latent noncognitive profiles of 1,396 community college students were determined for two measurement occasions (when they register for college, and one year later) using latent profile analysis. The stability of the profiles over time as well as the latent transition probabilities were examined using a latent transition analysis (LTA). The results indicated that the five profiles identified at Fall 2012 (time 1) were invariant at Fall 2013 (time 2); that is, the experience of college did not modify the underlying profiles of students’ noncognitive skills. Moreover, LTA revealed that students with profiles characterized by lower noncognitive skill levels at Fall 2012 had higher probabilities of transitioning to other profiles at Fall 2013 versus students with other profiles.

Authors

• Margarita Olivera-Aguilar, Educational Testing Service

• Samuel Rikoon, Educational Testing Service

• Steven B. Robbins, Educational Testing Service