Prediction of Academic Success in Computer Programming and Systems Design Course Work

Abstract

The study investigated the ability of 17 intuitively selected cognitive and affective variables to differentiate between the academically successful and unsuccessful subject in regard to computer programming and system design course performance. Furthermore, the ability of Computer Programmers Aptitude Battery (CPAB) to predict academic success in programming and systems design was explored. The analysis, which employed factor analysis, stepwise regression and MANOVA, revealed that two variables - recognition of assumptions and diagramming - differentiated between the successful and unsuccessful system design students, whereas three variables - diagramming, test anxiety-worry and embedded figures ability- differentiated between the successful and unsuccessful programming student. The results suggested that the CPAB is a predictor of academic performance in programming and systems design. However, the factors identified herein as good differentiators not contained in the CPAB may merit consideration in the development of future standardized computer programming/systems design aptitude tests. 

Note: This article is based on a paper originally presented at the first Data Con Educator Conference, St. Louis, MO, September 24. 1985.