In this study the possibility of predicting academic success at first year
university level by means of the discrepancy between nonverbal and verbal
intelligence test scores, is investigated. Firstly the problem is stated and
the purpose and programme of the research are outlined. A closer look at
various points of view on intelligence is given in the next chapter.
Nonverbal and verbal intelligence is discussed. The hypotheses is that nonverbal
intelligence relates more closely to the concrete in the field of intellectual
activity, while the verbal intelligence deals with the symbolic and abstract.
It is further stated that nonverbal intelligence resembles more closely
the hereditary intelligence than the verbal, which is to a greater extent the
result of non- genetic factors.
Academic achievement and the various influences on it are described. The
relationship between factors influencing the verbal intelligence and factors influencing
academic achievement is pointed out. It is reasoned that negative
influences will prevent the verbal intelligence from developing to the same or
a higher level than the nonverbal intelligence. The same influences will
prevent the student from achieving academically as could have been expected
from his I. Q. Positive environmental influences will stimulate the actualisation
of genetic intelligence and will also lead to relative better academic
achievement.
In the empirical research first year students with a discrepancy of 10+
between nonverbal and verbal I. Q. scores are grouped. Groups with a higher
nonverbal score are designated as negative groups and those with higher verbal
scores as positive groups. By means of the Wilcoxon Matched- Pairs Signed Ranks
Test these groups are compared with groups consisting of students with
a discrepancy of less than 10 between nonverbal and verbal I.Q. scores.
The results show that only the largest negative group, which is a combination
of men and women groups from various degree courses, achieves academically
lower than the control group. The result is reliable within the 0, 05 level of
confidence. / Proefskrif (DEd)--PU vir CHO, 1973
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/9992 |
| Date | January 1972 |
| Creators | Kruger, Hendrik Barnardus |
| Publisher | Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Language | other |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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