Prediction of Postgraduate Performance from Self-Efficacy, Class of Degree and Cognitive Ability Test Scores

Abstract

The study examined the predictive validity of variables used to select graduate students onto a postgraduate degree course. One hundred and forty-five postgraduate students completed a cognitive ability test (MD5, Mental Ability Test), a questionnaire to assess perceptions of self-efficacy to succeed on the programme, and reported their performance on their first (undergraduate) degree. Students completed these measures at the start of the degree. The degree comprised 12 modules, which all students were required to complete successfully. Multiple regression results showed that 32 per cent (Multiple R = .56, R2 = .32, p <.01) of the variance in postgraduate performance could be explained significantly by variations in class of degree, cognitive ability, and self-efficacy scores. It is suggested that future research should investigate the effectiveness of interventions designed to enhance performance through raising self-efficacy.