The Criterion Problem: What Measure of Success in Graduate Education?

Abstract

A wide variety of potential indicators of graduate student performance are reviewed. Based on a scrutiny of relevant research literature and ex perience with recent and current research projects, the various indicators are considered in two ways. First, they are analyzed within the framework of the traditional "criterion problem," that is, with re spect to their adequacy as criteria in predicting graduate school performance. In this case, empha sis is given to problems with the criteria that make it difficult to draw valid inferences about the re lationship between selection measures and perfor mance measures. Second, the various indicators are considered as an important process of the graduate program. In this case, attention is given to their adequacy as procedures for the evaluation of stu dent performance, e.g., their clarity, fairness, and usefulness as feedback to students.