Date of Award
12-1984
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Abstract
This study examined the use of the Holland constructs, as measured by the ACT Assessment, in the prediction of college persistence, achievement, and stability. Specifically, this research measured the combined effects of expressed and inventoried Holland type, congruency, consistency, and differentiation~ along with the predictors of sex, academic aptitude, and achievement, upon persistence, achievement, and stability. In addition, the relationship of the Holland constructs and these other predictors was examined.
ACT Assessment records for a large sample of new, first-time freshmen (N=ll58) who entered the University of Nor.th Dakota in the Fall of 1978 were retrieved and matched with Student Records data during 1978-1983 to provide information for the variables under consideration. Stepwise regression and multiple regression procedures were used to determine the significance of the predictor variables upon persistence, achievement, and stability. Results showed that the Holland construct of inventoried type had a small, but signifi<~ant, effect cant, effect on persistence. Expressed type and congruency were significant predictors of stability of major., although the total variance accounted for in the prediction of this variable was minimal. The prediction of persistence by achievement and aptitude; the impact of sex, prior achievement, and aptitude upon college achievement; and the relationship of sex and achievement to stability were also significant. Holland's inventoried types were shown to have significantly different levels of achievement and aptitude, while expressed types differed according to sex status.
This study found only limited support for the contention of Holland and others that the constructs of type, congruency, consistency, and differentiation are significant predictors of persistence, achievement, and stability. The use of aptitude, achievement, and sex status information in the prediction of these variables was supported, however. Further research to verify these results was suggested.
Recommended Citation
Gerszewski, Raymond, "The Use of the Holland Constructs, as by the Act Assessment, to Predict Collard Persistence, Achievement, Stability" (1984). Theses and Dissertations. 6611.
https://commons.und.edu/theses/6611