Predictors of Academic Performance among Potential Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study from Rawalpindi

Nazia Mustafa; Kiran Shehzadi; Shoaib Kiani

doi:10.51253/pafmj.v73i3.8650

Authors

Nazia Mustafa Department of Psychology, General Headquarters, Rawalpindi Pakistan
Kiran Shehzadi Department of Psychology, General Headquarters, Rawalpindi Pakistan
Shoaib Kiani Department of Psychology, General Headquarters, Rawalpindi Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51253/pafmj.v73i3.8650

Keywords:

Academic performance, Cognitive factors, Cognitive intelligence, Emotional intelligence, High school performance, Medical students, Non-cognitive factors, Potential medical students, Social intelligence

Abstract

Objective: To compare the potential medical students regarding cognitive intelligence, emotional intelligence, social intelligence and academic performance.

Study Design: Cross-Sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: Army Medical College, Rawalpindi Pakistan, in October 2020.

Methodology: The sample of the study comprised 512 male potential Medical students who completed their High School Education and came for the Entry test at Army Medical colleges with an age range of 17-21 years. All participants were assessed through the group administration of an assessment pack comprised of all tests.

Results: Results revealed that among all 512 students, 390 were finally recommended as selected candidates, and the rest, 122 were finally not recommended. A comparison between recommended and not-recommended groups on study variables was drawn. And result revealed significant mean differences in the variables of Cognitive Intelligence (t=-3.592 and p<0.001) and Emotional intelligence (t=-3.969 and p<0.001) and non-significant differences in the variable of social intelligence and academic performance (t=-1.609; p<0.001; t=-0.900; p<0.001).

Conclusion: Hence, academic performance is proven to be associated with emotional intelligence, IQ and personality characteristics. Better emotional regulation enables the students to develop better peer relations and invest energies in demanding academics owing to their cognitive and non-cognitive skills.