Re: [Phys-L] Evaluation tests

[brian whatcott <betwys1@sbcglobal.net>]

I would like to offer a test which has a rather high predictive value; 
it does however require the use of subterfuge. Here's the recipe: Obtain 
an academically respectable IQ test, and remove any reference to IQ  and 
instead insert headings such as "Algebra-based Physics Predictor". In 
addition, prepare a short questionnaire of this form:
1) Check if you have completed two or more cross-word puzzles or have 
learned a foreign language.
2) Check if you played with a mechanical constructor set, or a home 
chemistry set  in your childhood
3) Check if you have owned a bicycle, or played a musical instrument..
Protocol:
Encourage candidates with a score over 125
Discourage candidates with a score less than 105.
For candidates in the doubtful band, allow any two of three checks as 
enabling, and no check marks as discouraging.


And yes, this was offered tongue in cheek, but  I would be entirely 
unsurprised if it served the purpose intended.    :-)

Brian Whatcott   Altus OK


On 12/14/2013 12:51 PM, John Clement wrote:
> There are no tests with very high predictive value.  That being said, the
> Lawson test of Scientific Reasoning is probably one of the best predictors. /snip/

> John M. Clement
> Houston, TX
>
>
> > Hello, all,
> >
> > Our University will change its policy regarding drops,
> > withdrawals, and academic penalties beginning next Fall. With
> > this new policy, it would really help students if the could
> > make an informed decision in the first one or two weeks of a
> > course whether they would do well in it. So, I was wondering
> > if there exists a test that we can administer in the first
> > week of the first course of the algebra-based physics
> > sequence that would predict student success in the course. If
> > there is such a test, we'd like to try it out in the Spring
> > and summer. Any help would be most appreciated.
> >
> > If you can send this information to me at the email address
> > below, I can gather and post a summary in early next semester.
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > Promod Pratap
> > Prpratap@uncg.edu
> >
> >
> > --
> > Promod R. Pratap, Ph.D., Chair
> > University of North Carolina at Greensboro Dept. of Physics /snip/