Predicting student performance in preclinical technique courses using the theory of ability determinants of skilled performance.

Full Abstract

The purpose of this research was to validate Ackerman's theory of ability determinants of skilled performance using sub-test scores of the Dental Admission Test (DAT) in predicting student performance in preclinical technique courses. The Ackerman theory is a valid, reliable schema in the applied psychology literature used to predict complex skill acquisition. Inconsistent stimulus-response skill acquisition depends primarily on determinants of cognitive ability. The cognitive phase of skill acquisition is associated with demands on general abilities. Task accomplishment requires attentional resources, and inconsistent tasks do not improve with practice. It is theorized that the Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) is a valid cognitive determinant for spatial ability in this schema. Each new procedure learned in the preclinical technique courses is novel, includes a spatial relations component, and reflects inconsistent skill acquisition. The PAT scores of four classes were compared to the final grades in eight preclinical technique courses. Results showed that PAT scores account for a significantly high proportion, approximately 25 percent, of the variance of the final grades in the preclinical technique courses. Based on this strong correlation, dental school admissions committees may consider re-evaluating the weight of the DAT scores in the admissions process.

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Author information

Author/s: Gray, Sarah A (SA); Deem, Lisa P (LP);

Affiliation: Temple University School of Dentistry, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA. sgray(-atsign-)dental.temple.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article

Journal: Journal of dental education (J Dent Educ), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Jun; vol 66 (issue 6) : pp 721-7

Dates: Created 2002/07/15; Completed 2002/08/02; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 12117093, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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