The prediction of vocational rehabilitation outcomes for high school students using objective psychometric techniques and selected demographic variables

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between scores on a battery of psychometric instruments, selected demographic variables and the final vocational rehabilitation (VR) closure status for high school students. Of primary concern was the identification of objective predictors which might be of utility in the screening of prospective VR clients. Research questions focused upon differences between successful and unsuccessful clients on psychometric measures of intelligence and personality, and the demographic variable of special education participation. To address the above stated issues, test records were obtained for 114 prospective VR clients referred for psychological evaluations. The final VR closure status was provided by the state Rehabilitation Commission. Subjects were dichotomized into success and failure groups. Test scores obtained for each subject included the WAIS, WRAT and MMPI regular and selected special scales. Demographic variables assessed included age, sex and special education membership. The ability of these variables to predict VR outcome was assessed. ...