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Evaluation of a diagnostic test for cognitive competences that are relevant for computer science: Detailed focus on methodical competences

Especially at the beginning of university studies, students form a group that is heterogeneous in many aspects. Compared with other disciplines, there is a significant dropout in computer science. We ascribe this to the fact that first-semester students often have significant deficits in cognitive competences — such as systematic and logical thinking — which are crucial for studying computer science successfully. To capture the students' learning capabilities, we developed a diagnostic test containing tasks that aim at evaluating the incoming students' initial level of highly relevant cognitive competences. In this paper, we evaluate the quality of this diagnostic test from a statistical point of view. Particular emphasis is placed on the analysis of the methodical competence. We assume that this component of the students' cognitive competences is of particular importance, as it is relevant not only for a successful start into the study phase, but is also essential for acquiring new skills and technical competences in computer science.