Exploring the value of Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory as predictor of academic outcomes

摘要

This paper is a brief presentation of a pilot study aimed to identify a set of ICT supported instruments for predicting the educational outcomes, with a special focus on the early warnings for dropout. In this context, the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI) appeared to be a promising candidate, given its wide international validation and acceptance, and previous successful applications in predicting substance abuse, risky driving, health related habits, etc. An important additional advantage is the existence of a free web based application for self administration and scoring of ZTPI. Contrary to our expectations, we found no significant correlations between the ZTPI scores, the students' grade points (GP), and their levels of anxiety about the future (AAF). Similarly, we found no linear correlation between the present hedonistic orientation (ZTPI - PH scores) and the overall creativity of the students. It appears that the value of ZTPI as an instrument for predicting certain academic outcomes is limited.