Major competency achievement varied by cosmetology major

What the study found: The study found that major competency achievement among female beauty college students varied by competency area and by major, and was highest in the fourth year.
Why the authors say this matters: The authors conclude that core competencies required for each major differ, and they suggest that curricula and teaching methods should be tailored to each major to improve competency achievement.
What the researchers tested: The researchers assessed the level of achievement in major competencies among female college students majoring in beauty and examined differences by year and major. They also analyzed correlations among science and art convergence ability, problem-solving ability, and creativity, communication, and empathy ability.
What worked and what didn't: Overall major competency achievement averaged 4.09 points. Achievement ranked highest for creativity, communication, and empathy (M=4.14), followed by problem solving (M=4.10), and science and art convergence (M=4.04). Fourth-year students had higher major competency achievement than students in other years, and different majors showed the highest scores in different sub-competencies.
What to keep in mind: The abstract does not describe the study sample size, measurement details, or other limitations. It also notes that follow-up studies should examine additional factors such as teaching methods, field training, certification acquisition, motivation for major selection, learner characteristics, instructor competency, and learning support systems.

Key points

• Overall major competency achievement averaged 4.09 points.
• Creativity, communication, and empathy had the highest average score (M=4.14).
• Major competency achievement was higher in the fourth year than in other years.
• Science and art convergence ability was positively correlated with problem solving and with creativity, communication, and empathy.
• Problem-solving ability was positively correlated with creativity, communication, and empathy.