Examining the Predictive Validity of Gre Scores on Doctoral Education: Students' Success and Methodology Choices in the Dissertation Process

Abstract

This study examines how GRE scores can be used to better understand Education doctoral candidates' methodology choices for the dissertation as well as their persistence behaviors. Candidates' of one online doctoral education program were examined. Results of a MANOVA suggested that there is no difference in GRE scores based on doctoral candidates' choice of methodology. Although GRE scores did not differ based on methodology choice, results of the regression analysis indicated that the linear combination of candidates' verbal reasoning scores, quantitative reasoning scores, writing scores, and methodology choices accounted for significant variability in the number of semesters it took for them to complete their dissertations. The GRE writing score and methodology choice were the strongest predictors of time to completion.