Developing a Prediction Model to Reduce a Growing Number of Psychology Majors

This article explores problems associated with increased numbers of undergraduate psychology majors and considers strategies available to psychology departments wishing to reduce these num-bers. Special attention is given to an approach using multiple regression procedures to develop a pretliction model for reducing the number of psychology majors. Wi1.h a prediction model, a criterion such as psychology GPA at gnzduation is selected, and predictors of this criterion (e.g., Introductory Psychology grade and first semester GPA) are examined. The prediction model approach is illustrated with data from Holy Cross College. A, report on the status of the ~u~dergraduate major in psychology revealed that, after several years of zero or nega-tive growth, the number of undergraduate students selecting psychology as a major is increasing (McGovern, Furumoto, Halpern, Kimble, & McKeachie, 1991). Despite un-dergraduate student:faculty ratios rcyaching as high as 50:l (Shepperd, 1991), many departments have not received comparable increases in faculty, staff, and olperating budgets. This article investigates the problenls associated with rising numbers of undergraduate psychology majors and examines several strategies for limiting these numbers. Special atten-tion is given to an approach using ~r~ultiple regression pro-cedures to develop a weighted prediction model for reducing the number of psychology majors. A.n empirical illustration of a prediction model is provided using data from Holy Cros