THE VALUE OF NONCOGNITIVE FACTORS IN PREDICTING STUDENTS FIRST-YEAR ACADEMIC PROBATION

Purpose. To test the value of Sedlacek's Noncognitive Questionnaire (N R) in predicting the risk of academic probation for first-year student s at the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University. Metho d. Ninety-six of 106 students completed the NQ during their first week of medical school. The NQ assesses the students in eight noncognitive domains such as academic positive self-concept and realistic self-app raisal. Using a previously derived grade-point average (GPA) and Medic al College Admission Test (MCAT)-based risk-prediction equation, stude nts were classified as high- or low-risk for first-year academic proba tion. At the end of their first year, students actually on probation w ere identified. Results. High-risk students scored significantly highe r than did low-risk students in both academic positive self-concept an d realistic self-appraisal. The NQ factors alone predicted risk at a 7 0% accuracy rate, slightly lower than when the previously derived risk equation was used (74%). Conclusion. Sedlacek's noncognitive factors did not improve upon a prediction of academic probation based on GPA a nd MCAT scores. Sedlacek's NR may lack the sensitivity required for us e with medical students. Further research may identify more appropriat e noncognitive factors.