BOULDER AND VAIL MODELS

The objectives of this study include a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the Boulder and Vail models and ultimately, an assessment of the test for entrance into professional psychology, the EPPP, which has been cited as an instrument which distinguishes inferior from superior clinicians. Therefore, this article investigates such claims and attempts to provide some empirical data in this area. It also addresses the predictive validity of the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology and the issue of cultural bias. Participants included 201 APA-accredited institutions. Their respective mean scores from 1988 to 1996 were compared as well as the subpart means for Boulder versus Vail and university versus freestanding professional schools.Results showed that there were significant differences between Boulder and Vail model schools and between university and freestanding professional schools. Discussion concerning a qualitative analysis of the results is presented as the mean differences were small between groups. Limitations and future directions for research were also reviewed.