Question

The paper "Noncognitive Predictors of Student Athletes' Academic Performance" (Journal of College Reading and Learning [2000]: e167) summarizes a study of 200 Division I athletes. It was reported that the correlation coefficient for college grade point average (GPA) and a measure of academic self-worth was \(r=0.48 .\) Also reported were the correlation coefficient for college GPA and high school GPA \((r=0.46)\) and the correlation coefficient

Short answer

Both correlations show a positive, moderate relationship. Higher academic self-worth corresponds moderately with a higher college GPA, and a higher high school GPA also moderately corresponds with a higher college GPA.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the correlation coefficients

The correlation coefficient for college GPA and a measure of academic self-worth is \(r=0.48\). This indicates a moderate positive relationship, meaning as the measure of academic self-worth increases, the college GPA tends to also increase. This relationship, however, is not very strong.

Interpret the second correlation

The correlation coefficient for college GPA and high school GPA is \(r=0.46\). Just like in Step 1, this shows a moderate positive relationship between the college and high school GPAs. As the high school GPA increases, the college GPA also tends to increase. This relationship is also moderate.

Key concepts

College GPA

The Grade Point Average (GPA) in college is one of the most important indicators of academic success and is often used by educational institutions and employers to assess a student's performance. The GPA is a numeric average of the grades a student earns in their courses, with each grade assigned a different point value. For instance, an 'A' may be equivalent to 4.0 points, while a 'C' might be 2.0 points.

In the context of the study mentioned, the correlation coefficient of 0.46 with high school GPA suggests that there is a moderately positive linkage between the GPAs a student earns in high school and those they earn in college. This means that typically, students who perform well in high school will continue to perform at a similar level in college. However, the correlation is not so high as to suggest that the high school GPA is a perfect predictor of the college GPA, underscoring the fact that other factors may also be influential in determining college academic outcomes.

Academic Self-Worth

Academic self-worth refers to a student's perception of their own abilities and competencies in academic settings. This self-perception profoundly influences a student's motivation, persistence, and overall academic behavior. A measure of academic self-worth includes students' beliefs about their intelligence, the value they place on education, and their confidence in handling academic tasks.

The correlation coefficient of 0.48 between college GPA and academic self-worth denotes a moderate positive relationship. Students who have a higher sense of academic self-worth often have higher GPAs, which might be due to greater effort, resilience when facing academic challenges, and better study habits. It is essential to strengthen the students' self-worth to foster an environment where they can thrive academically.

Boosting Academic Confidence

• Providing positive feedback and recognition.
• Setting attainable goals to build a record of success.
• Offering support and resources for academic challenges.

High School GPA

High school GPA is commonly used as a predictor for future academic achievements, including college performance. It is calculated similarly to college GPA but often considered in the context of the student's school, the difficulty of the coursework undertaken, and extracurricular activities. While high school GPA is not a certain predictor of college success, it is one of the factors colleges consider during the admissions process.

According to the study, with a correlation coefficient of 0.46 with college GPA, high school GPA has a moderate positive relationship with college academic success. This data can be impactful when discussing the continuity of academic performance from high school to college and the importance of establishing good study and learning habits early on.

Academic Performance

Overall academic performance involves not just the GPA but also the breadth of knowledge gained, the development of critical thinking skills, and the ability to apply learning in real-world situations. In the study mentioned, correlation coefficients relate academic performance to both previous academic achievements and a student's academic self-worth. These coefficients help us understand the relationship between these different predictors and the student's performance in college.

It's essential to recognize that while GPAs from high school and college are useful indicators, they are part of a broader spectrum of attributes that contribute to a student's academic performance, such as participation in class, the completion of projects, and the demonstration of learning through exams and practical applications.