A Meta-Analysis of the Relationship between Wonderlic Test Scores and School Success

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Bibliographic Details
Title: A Meta-Analysis of the Relationship between Wonderlic Test Scores and School Success
Language: English
Authors: Chet Robie (ORCID 0000-0003-4521-6924), Sabah Rashe, Stephen D. Risavy, Piers Steel
Source: International Journal of Testing. 2024 24(2):169-189.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 21
Publication Date: 2024
Document Type: Journal Articles
Information Analyses
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Meta Analysis, Test Validity, Alternative Assessment, Scores, Cognitive Measurement, Cognitive Ability, Academic Achievement, Undergraduate Students, Grade Point Average, College Entrance Examinations, Comparative Analysis, Predictive Validity, Test Preparation, Timed Tests
Assessment and Survey Identifiers: SAT (College Admission Test), ACT Assessment
DOI: 10.1080/15305058.2024.2318424
ISSN: 1530-5058
1532-7574
Abstract: This meta-analysis examined the validity of an alternative to traditional assessments called the Wonderlic which is a brief measure of general mental ability. Our results showed significant, positive correlations between Wonderlic scores and academic performance in general ([r-bar] = 0.26), between Wonderlic scores and undergraduate GPA in particular ([r-bar] = 0.27, [p-bar] = 0.33), and between Wonderlic scores and retention ([r-bar] = 0.09, [p-bar] = 0.12). We also identified several significant moderators of the relationship between Wonderlic scores and relevant outcomes (e.g., test publisher reported coefficients were larger than those reported by other sources). Subgroup differences in test scores were in the same range as other post-secondary admissions assessments (e.g., ACT and SAT scores). Overall, the Wonderlic has similar levels of subgroup differences and is less strongly related to GPA than traditional assessments but still retains useful levels of predictiveness and is a shorter, less expensive assessment that requires less preparation than the ACT or SAT.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2024
Accession Number: EJ1422761
Database: ERIC
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Description
Abstract:This meta-analysis examined the validity of an alternative to traditional assessments called the Wonderlic which is a brief measure of general mental ability. Our results showed significant, positive correlations between Wonderlic scores and academic performance in general ([r-bar] = 0.26), between Wonderlic scores and undergraduate GPA in particular ([r-bar] = 0.27, [p-bar] = 0.33), and between Wonderlic scores and retention ([r-bar] = 0.09, [p-bar] = 0.12). We also identified several significant moderators of the relationship between Wonderlic scores and relevant outcomes (e.g., test publisher reported coefficients were larger than those reported by other sources). Subgroup differences in test scores were in the same range as other post-secondary admissions assessments (e.g., ACT and SAT scores). Overall, the Wonderlic has similar levels of subgroup differences and is less strongly related to GPA than traditional assessments but still retains useful levels of predictiveness and is a shorter, less expensive assessment that requires less preparation than the ACT or SAT.
ISSN:1530-5058
1532-7574
DOI:10.1080/15305058.2024.2318424