Interests and general educational development

Abstract

Strong's hypothesis that interests " may correlate significantly (with achievement) when achievement involves performance over a considerable period of time " was tested by computing intercorrelations (using scores of 81 students) among (1) the Kuder Preference Record, (2) USAFI Test of General Educational Development, and (3) the relative amounts of credit earned in natural science and social studies. From the results the author concludes that the hypothesis is upheld in regard to interest and endeavor in science, but is not substantiated when considering social service interests and social studies achievement. Lack of correlation was also found between literary interest and English composition. Interest in a given field was shown to result in frequent choice of courses in that field. The use of vocational interest inventories in guidance as well as appeal to interests in teaching is supported. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)