Guttman's mapping sentence technique is examined as a mechanism for defining domains of cognitive behavior and for generating test items to measure achievement in those domains. The utility of the mechanism as compared to alternatives is discussed. (Author/JKS)

Offers guidelines for designing computer-based testing which demands high-level cognitive functioning of students using computer-assisted instruction as a learning mode. Examples of conceptual, principle, and procedural learning evaluation approaches, strengths and weaknesses within the formats described, and suggestions for improving the…

Summarizes one approach to constructing economics courses and outlines testing procedures which are congruent with this approach. Concrete examples of test items are presented. (Author)

Most geography teachers are unaccustomed to writing test questions to measure cognitive skills. This paper gives examples of such questions and discusses test design, item classification, and styles of presentation in relation to course objectives. (NH)

This study was designed to see if objectives accompanying test items increased cognitive learning. The results indicate that objectives accompanying pretest items facilitate student study and preparation for posttests, but objectives accompanying posttest items inhibited performance. (BR)

Research based upon behaviors defined in Taxonomy of Educational Objectives: Cognitive Domain," edited by Benjamin S. Bloom. (MB)

Reports the results of a study of the match between teacher-made tests and level of instructional objectives for 74 secondary social studies teachers. Concludes that: (1) only a slight majority of teachers think higher order objectives are important, and (2) that few translate this opinion into their instruction or testing. (JDH)

Describes the development and evaluation of interactive computer-based formative tests containing multiple choice questions based on Bloom's taxonomy and their use in a core-level higher education business statistics course prior to graded examinations to determine where students are experiencing difficulties. (MBR)

Whether in the science or language laboratory, carrying out health care procedures or demonstrating performance arts, faculty can improve skill evaluation through transparency and authenticity in exam construction, format, and grading.

The Evaluation of Student Achievement is a course required of all education majors at the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. It covers construction of classroom objectives and related test items, test administration, item analysis, statistical analysis, and assignment of grades. Among other assignments, students were required to:…

This paper reports a multi-method approach for examining the cognitive level of multiple-choice items used in a medical pathology course at a large midwestern medical school. Analysis of the standard item analysis data and think-out-loud reports of a sample of students completing a 66 item examination were used to test assumptions related to the…

The development of a series of parallel single-topic tests for testing attainment of 14 objectives concerned with inquiry skill in biology is discussed. The series of eight two-part tests are called "Explorations in Biology" (EIB). (CK)