Discusses several statistical and substantive criteria that can be used to choose between parametric and nonparametric tests. Presents a non-parametric test capable of testing a number of statistical hypotheses using existing computer packages. Provides recommendations encouraging researchers to routinely use nonparametric tests in their data…

Examines some of the policy implications for the proposed assessment systems to replace multiple-choice tests in education as part of educational reform movement. Notes that, like multiple-choice formats, the origins and assumptions of performance assessment methods have implications for the usefulness of the data that result. (Author/NB)