Incremental validity of a performance-based test over and above conventional academic predictors

A conceptual distinction is provided between conventional academic predictors and performance-based tests. Conventional academic predictors include grade average in prior education and academic achievement tests. Performance-based tests involve direct measures of a criterion. Subsequently, an empirical study is presented examining the incremental validity of a performance-based test over and above conventional academic predictors. The test consisted of 12 knowledge application and inferential tasks. The data included records of 150 students enrolled in an Education and Child Studies bridging program, a program that links undergraduate study to academic graduate study in the Netherlands. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that the performance-based test has incremental validity in predicting academic performance operationalized as grade average. Accordingly, performance-based tests demonstrate potential as an academic predictor.

Research Highlights
► There is a constant attempt to improve prediction of academic performance.
► Performance-based tests can be direct measures of a criterion.
► Performance-based tests demonstrate potential as an academic predictor.