Prediction of performance in medical school from the California Psychological Inventory

Abstract

Prediction of performance in medical training is a difficult task, and few approaches to date have shown promise. In the non-intellective realm, the California Psychological Inventory (CPI) has given positive results in other settings and was therefore deemed worthy of tryout in this one. A CPI regression equation was derived which had a predictive validity of +.66 in an initial sample of 34 students, and of +.46 in a cross-validating sample of 63. The psychological dimension defined by the equation was judged to be more reflective of a characterological syndrome stressing unselfishness and consideration for others than of need: achievement, compensatory striving, or other factors typically invoked to account for scholastic attainment. (25 ref.) (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)