Identifying the Value of the ACT Score as a Predictor of Student Success in Respiratory Care, Radiography, and Nursing at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate--by utilizing data obtained from the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) PeopleSoft database-- whether the American College Testing (ACT) assessment was a predictor of student success for students who had graduated from respiratory, radiography, and nursing programs at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKCTC). In addition, the study sought to determine whether the pre-program grade point average was a predictor of student success. The analysis was based on existing data for three random samples of 100 students each drawn from graduates of respiratory, radiography, and nursing programs for the years 2000 to 2005 for a total of 300 participants. ACT composite scores and pre-program grade point averages (GPAs) at the time of entrance along with the students' final GPAs at the end of the program of study were obtained from the college's database. A multiple regression analysis was performed, with final GPAs as the response variable and ACT scores and pre-program GPAs as predictors. Also, in terms of evaluating the individual contribution of each predictor, the part correlations were analyzed. The analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 16. The findings of the study indicate that the pre-program grade point averages were a stronger predictor of the final GPAs than the ACT scores. In addition, the ACT scores were not shown to be a significant predictor of the final grade point averages, after controlling for the pre-program GPAs that were recorded at the time of entry into the programs of study. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone [phone]. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]