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 experience 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 respect to their adequacy as criteria in predicting graduate school performance. In this case, emphasis is given to problems with the criteria that make it difficult to draw valid inferences about the relationship between selection measures and performance 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 student performance, e.g., their clarity, fairness, and usefulness as feedback to students.