Thematic analysis: An empirically derived measure of the effects of liberal arts education
Winter D.G.; McClelland D.C.
1978
Journal of Educational Psychology
20
10.1037/0022-0663.70.1.8
Describes the rationale and development of the Test of Thematic Analysis, reflecting ability for complex concept formation. 24 male college freshmen and seniors at a traditional liberal arts college were asked to formulate and articulate the differences between 2 groups of stories. Scoring categories were derived from differences in freshman and senior responses and were cross-validated on another sample. In a 2nd and larger-scale study, thematic analysis scores were significantly higher among seniors than among freshman at the traditional liberal arts colleges, but there were no significant differences in 1st and 2nd yr students at 2 more vocationally oriented colleges (2-yr colleges). (24 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1978 American Psychological Association.
development of Test of Thematic Analysis as measure of ability for complex concept formation, assessment of effects of liberal arts education, male college freshmen vs seniors; rationale &
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