Correlations of scores on embedded figures and mirror tracing with preclinical technique grades and PMAT scores of dental students.
For 20 dental students the relationships of field dependency, scores on the dental admissions test, grades in technique courses, and time and error scores on mirror-tracing tests were studied. Significant correlations (-.48, -.58, -.65) were found between field-dependency scores and scores on the perceptual-motor abilities subtest of the Dental Admissions Test and between mirror-tracing test and pre-clinical operative grades (-.53). These preliminary results indicate that study of the perceptual-cognitive styles of dental studies is warranted to evaluate the potential utility of these measures in counseling and admissions. The mirror-tracing tests appear to have potential advantages as objective measures of psychomotor skills and learning ability.
D000124:Achievement; D000328:Adult; D004193:Discrimination Learning; D005260:Female; D005364:Field Dependence-Independence; D005556:Form Perception; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills; D011581:Psychological Tests; D013335:Students, Dental / Q000523:psychology*