Abstract
PurposeThe Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a general examination predictive of success in US-based graduate programs. Used to assess students’ written, mathematical, and critical thinking (CT) skills, the GRE is utilized for admission to approximately 85% of US physical therapist education (PTE) programs. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the CT skills measured by the GRE match those deemed by an expert panel as the most important to assess for PTE program acceptance.MethodsUsing a modified E-Delphi approach, a 3-phase survey was distributed over 8 weeks to a panel consisting of licensed US physical therapists with expertise on CT and PTE program directors. The CT skills isolated by the expert panel, based on Facione’s Delphi Report, were compared to the CT skills assessed by the GRE.ResultsThe CT skills supported by the Delphi Report and chosen by the expert panel for assessment prior to acceptance into US PTE programs included clarifying meaning, categorization, and analyzing arguments. Only clarifying meaning matched the CT skills from the GRE.ConclusionThe GRE is a test for general admission to graduate programs, lacking context related to healthcare or physical therapy. The current study fails to support the GRE as an assessment tool of CT for admission to PTE programs. A context-based admission test evaluating the CT skills identified in this study should be developed for use in the admission process to predict which students will complete US PTE programs and pass the licensure exam.
Highlights
The aim of this study was to assess whether the Delphi Report’s critical thinking (CT) skills that were identified by an expert panel as absolutely essential for assessment before entrance into physical therapist education (PTE) programs in the United States matched those contained in the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), a common PTE admission requirement
Judging whether an argument is plausible or false Looking at the reasoning used, and opinions created, as well as the “motivation, values, attitudes and interests” that determine the outcome Occurs when self-examination shows an error in the decision or reason, and allows for correction of this mistake Giving accurate statements
Face validity was established by having a faculty colleague at the University of Tennessee who has published in the realm of CT, but is not a physical therapist, assess the survey
Summary
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test, which. Assesses verbal, qualitative, and analytical factors including CT, is used as an admissions requirement by approximately 85% of physical therapist education (PTE) programs [4]. It is generally used for admission to graduate or business school because it is indicative of success in these types of graduate programs. The aim of this study was to assess whether the Delphi Report’s CT skills that were identified by an expert panel as absolutely essential for assessment before entrance into PTE programs in the United States matched those contained in the GRE, a common PTE admission requirement
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of educational evaluation for health professions
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
