Characteristics of Achievers and Under‐achievers of a Large Senior High School

Abstract

To identify scholastic aptitudes, vocational preferences, values, and temperament traits of junior and senior students in high school designated as achievers (A) and under‐achievers (U) within the Otis Intelligence Score range of 110–125, 132 A's within the scholastic rank of 5.0–4.5 and 76 U's within 2.9‐2.0 were selected. Results were: (a) Differential Aptitude Test scores were significantly higher in verbal and numerical for A's and in spatial and mechanical for U's; (b). Neither group could be characterized by a specific occupational interest based on the Kuder Preference Record‐Vocational; (c) Allport‐Vernon‐Lindzey Study of Values revealed higher theoretical, social, and religous scores for the A group; (d) Thurstone Temperament Schedule showed both groups had high reflective scores and low impulsive scores. Conclusions are (a) U's evidenced abilities to make higher grades; (b) 90 per cent of the A's and 70 per cent of the U's were potentially able to do college work; (c) A's and U's should be informed of their aptitudes; (d) Causes of under‐achievement were not directly related to characteristics studied.