Mental Abilities and High School GPA: Is There More Than G?

• In Event: Poster Session 11
  In Poster Session: Division H Poster Session: Assessment in Schools

Abstract

There is some controversy over the use of standardized testing for college admissions, with many critics arguing for the use of high school grade point average (HSGPA) in lieu of test scores. With little published research on the reliability of HSGPA, and what HSGPA actually measures, further exploration is needed. This study examined the relationship between mental abilities and academic performance using HSGPAs obtained from transcripts. With the exception of mathematical knowledge, the criterion-related validity of mental-ability tests was largely attributable to general mental ability (g). Fairness analyses indicated slight overprediction for Hispanics and Blacks and underprediction for females. Additionally, giving preferences to minority applicants had minimal effects on criterion-related validity. Furthermore, HSGPA was found to be reliable and g-loaded.

Authors

• Jeffrey M Cucina, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

• Sharron Peyton

• Chihwei Su

• Kevin Byle