The predictive utility of nontraditional test scores for first-year pharmacy student academic performance.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the value of employing the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI), Defining Issues Test (DIT), and Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA) in predictive models for first-year pharmacy student academic performance.


METHODS
Six years of pharmacy student admission and progression data were evaluated. Additional predictive validity offered by these variables over a model of prepharmacy grade point average and pharmacy college admission test (PCAT) score was examined.


RESULTS
None of the 3 measures offered the ability to predict first-semester or first-year academic performance over and above GPA and PCAT.


CONCLUSIONS
The LASSI, DIT, and WGCTA do not appear to assess abilities that are directly related to academic performance; however, these instruments may be useful in assessing other student attributes that are highly desirable for the practice of pharmacy.
Lobb
William B
WB
School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, USA. bigbill@olemiss.edu
Wilkin
Noel E
NE
McCaffrey
David J
DJ
Wilson
Marvin C
MC
Bentley
John P
JP
D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012570:School Admission Criteria / Q000639:trends; D013339:Students, Pharmacy