Final answer:
The statement is an example of a predictive statement used in educational research, intending to identify trends and inform interventions or policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The textbook authors' statement "people who perform poorly in high school tend to perform poorly in college" serves as an example of a predictive statement based on observed educational patterns or trends. This kind of statement is often utilized to develop hypotheses in research studies, which can then be tested for their validity. Factors that might be considered in such a study regarding student performance usually include attendance, innate ability, work ethic, and the presence of a supportive environment, among others.
It's not uncommon for educational research to explore correlations and draw predictive connections similar to the one suggested by the textbook authors. The success or struggle of students is frequently studied to identify factors that contribute to educational outcomes and to inform interventions or policy changes. Research studies often examine broader trends, while acknowledging that individual variations and exceptions will occur.