Predicting psychomotor performance in dental laboratory technology /
Predicting psychomotor performance of individuals entering dental laboratory technology is difficult. This study examined the relationships between psychomotor performance in dental laboratory courses and admissions data and psychological measures. Three research questions were asked: 1.How are adm...
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
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[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
2000.
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| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=731980731&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | Predicting psychomotor performance of individuals entering dental laboratory technology is difficult. This study examined the relationships between psychomotor performance in dental laboratory courses and admissions data and psychological measures. Three research questions were asked: 1.How are admissions data (age, gender, ethnicity, previous college hours, previous college GPA, and interview scores) related to psychomotor performance in dental laboratory technology? 2. How are measurements of psychological constructs (field dependence-independence, spatial ability, and personality) related to psychomotor performance in dental laboratory technology? 3. How do the admissions data and psychological measurements differ between students who are able to develop adequate psychomotor skills and those who are not able to develop those skills? The correlational research design was used. The subjects were 80 dental laboratory students who completed their first semester at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. The admissions data and psychological measures (independent variables) were collected at the beginning of the semester. At this time, the subjects' initial skill levels were determined by a wax carving test. Grades from laboratory courses (dependent variables) were obtained at the end of the semester. Course grades of 80 or above represented adequate psychomotor skill development. Correlational and stepwise multiple regression analyses were conducted between the independent and dependent variables. Analyses (ANOVA, Chi-square, and t - test) were conducted of independent variable differences between subjects who were and who were not able to develop adequate psychomotor skills. Statistical procedures used an alpha level of .05. Significant positive correlations were noted between course grades and previous college hours and grade point averages, interview scores, field independence, spatial ability, trust, straightforwardness, and dutifulness. Stepwise multiple regression analyses identified previous grade point average and three dimensional block counting (spatial ability) as the top two predictor variables for performance in the courses. Analyses indicated significant differences between subjects who were able and those who were not able to develop adequate psychomotor skills. Those who were able were more likely to be female, had more college hours, had higher previous grade point averages, and scored higher on the block counting test. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Educational Human Resource Development". |
| Physical Description: | x, 218 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm. Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilm Inc. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 121-159). |