Going the distance: Developing shared web-based learning programmes

Despite a high demand for continuing professional education, it is becoming more challenging to provide education in a resource-limited environment that meets the varied needs of learners. The advent of user-friendly, interactive communication technology led the University of British Columbia in Canada to explore the feasibility of developing a web-based distance learning programme shared by undergraduate and practising therapists to address this problem. Potential benefits and challenges of distance learning, undergraduate web-learning, pilot-test results and an assessment of therapists’ interests and needs are profiled.     

Testing for validity and bias in the use of GPA and the MCAT in the selection of medical school students

In the 1988 study reported here, Medical College Admissions test (MCAT) scores and grade point averages for undergraduate science courses (S-GPAs) were examined for predictive validity and differential prediction of National Board of Medical Examiners Part I scores. Data from 579 medical students from the classes of 1979-80 through 1983-84 attending a midwestern medical college were analyzed via moderated multiple regression. The findings indicated that using the S-GPA and a composite MCAT score based on the Biology Knowledge, Chemistry Knowledge, Physics Knowledge, Science Problems, and Reading subtests was valid and equally predictive for the minority and majority groups studied. These results are discussed in terms of past findings on cognitive tests in general, and the MCAT and the S-GPA specifically.     

A graphic approach for presenting expectancy of success based on two predictors

Expectancy tables are useful for presenting the likelihood of success on a criterion variable given an individual's score on a predictor. In many cases, valid measures in combination are more predictive than each of the measures individually. Unfortunately, it is difficult to present predictive information from multiple measures in a form that is easily interpreted. This article presents a procedure for developing a nomogram that depicts expectancy of success on a criterion from performance on two predictors.