title: Correlations of scores on embedded figures and mirror tracing with preclinical technique grades and PMAT scores of dental students.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: 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*