9 9.8 50.8 38.4
This distribution shows a marked tendency for failures in any subject
to be accompanied by further failures (38.4 per cent), not only in the
subjects for which it is a prerequisite but in subjects closely akin to
it. If this tendency to succeeding failures is really dependent upon
thoroughness in the preceding subject, then the repetition of the
subject should offer an opportunity for greater thoroughness and should
prove to be a distinct advantage in this regard. When we compare the
percentage of failures above with that in the following distribution,
we fail to find evidence of such an advantage in repetition. The
continuity of failures by subjects and the ineffectiveness of
repetition are pointed out by T.H. Briggs[42] as found in an
unpublished study by J.H. Riley, showing that after repeating and
passing the subjects of failure, 33 per cent of those who continued the
subject failed again the next semester.
LATER GRADES IN THE SAME KIND OF SUBJECTS, FOLLOWING FAILURE
BUT WITH NO REPETITION
Total A B C D
1269 Boys 5 102 639 523
1191 Girls 8 147 669 367
Per Cent of Total .5 10.1 53.1 36.2
Here the same pronounced tendency is disclosed for the occurrence of
other subsequent failures in the subjects closely similar.
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