The Factor Structure Underlying Perceived College Outcomes. AIR 2002 Forum Paper.

The purpose of this study was to examine the factor structure that underlies students' perceptions of intellectual progress and personal growth and to suggest additional ways of using survey information. The study was based on a sample of 68,650 students who completed the American College Testing College Outcomes between 1999 and 2001. From the Progress scale of 26 items, researchers identified four factors: General Education and Skills; Critical Thinking; Science, Mathematics, and Technology; and Career Preparation. From the Growth scale of 36 items, four other factors were identified: Academic and Whole Person Skills; Social Interaction Skills, Political and Societal Awareness; and Personal and Spiritual Values. These two sets of factors were similar across institution type, especially with regard to items in each factor that had the highest factor loadings. In addition, factor means were computed for each institutional type so that colleges can compare their results with those of similar institutions. (Contains 12 tables and 22 references.) (Author/SLD)