Technique of problem solving as a predictor of achievement in a mechanics course.

The Balance Problems Test, giving a choice of problem-solving techniques (use of principles versus use of facts), was studied as a predictor of mechanical achievement as assessed by final grade in the Airplane and Engines Mechanics course and by scores on two mechanical job-knowledge tests. "1. Final grade in the A. & E. course is positively related to the number of problems correctly solved in the BPT and to the tendency to prefer principles over facts in their solution. 2. The BPT… is as good or a better predictor of final mechanical school grade than any one of five standard scores studied… ." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)