Collecting Validity Evidence for CASPer: Predicting Objective Structured Clinical Examination and Fieldwork Performance Within an Occupational Therapy Program

• In Event: Diversity and Pipeline Programs

Abstract

CASPer - an online situational judgement test that assesses one’s personal and professional characteristics - is presently being used as part of a holistic admissions process within health professions programs. In this study, we explored the validity of CASPer and GPA for predicting student performance within an occupational therapy program. CASPer scores, GPA, three OSCE scores and ratings from two fieldwork placements were obtained for one cohort of 118 occupational therapy students. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to investigate the predictive validity of GPA and CASPer scores. Overall, CASPer improves the prediction of performance over and above GPA, on average, by 4%. Results provide preliminary validity evidence for the inclusion of CASPer scores to inform the applicant selection process.

Authors

• Mary Roduta Roberts, University of Alberta

• Cecilia Brito Alves, Medical Council of Canada