Direction of Self-Estimate of Ability and College-Related Criteria

Abstract

93 general psychology students were administered a self-rating scale of college ability and an objective measure of college ability. Following a 2-score transformation, students were assigned to 1 of 3 groups (Overraters, Realistic Raters, or Underraters) based on the direction of their estimates of college ability. Overraters and Realistic Raters did not differ on these measures, but as predicted, the Underraters had the lowest scores on actual ability, achievement, adjustment, and self-concept.