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Date of Graduation
Spring 5-6-2011
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Department of Graduate Psychology
Advisor(s)
Dena A. Pastor
Zebulun Davenport
Joshua Goodman
Abstract
The impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on educational outcomes has been widely demonstrated in the fields of sociology, psychology, and educational research. Across these fields however, measurement models of SES vary, including single indicators (parental income, education, and occupation), multiple indicators, hierarchical models, and most often, an SES composite provided by the National Center for Educational Statistics. This study first reviewed the impact of SES on outcomes in higher education, followed by the various ways in which SES has been operationalized. In addition, research highlighting measurement issues in SES research was discussed. Next, several methods of measuring SES were used to predict first-year GPA at an institution of higher education. Findings and implications were reviewed with the hope of promoting more careful considerations of SES measurement.
Recommended Citation
Markle, Ross, "Examining the bricks and mortar of socioeconomic status: An empirical comparison of measurement methods" (2011). Dissertations, 2014-2019. 116.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/diss201019/116
