Assessment lies at the centre of PhD degree quality standards, with quality assurance relying on independent external examiners. This study investigates the role of the viva and the selection of external examiners from within the accounting and finance discipline across UK institutions. A questionnaire survey and follow-up interviews with…

If examinees are permitted to choose to answer a subset of the questions on a test, just knowing which questions were chosen can provide a measure of proficiency that may be as reliable as would have been obtained from the test graded traditionally. This new method of scoring is much less time consuming and expensive for both the examinee and the…

This study examined the relative efficacy of the Anchorage (Alaska) Pre-Algebra Test and the State of Alaska Benchmark in 2 Math examination as tools used in the process of recommending grade 6 students for grade 7 Pre-Algebra placement. The consequential validity of the tests is explored in the context of class placements and grades earned. The…

Validity and reliability were calculated from data in the standardization sample of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale--Revised for 565 proposed short forms. Time saved in comparison with use of the long form was estimated. The most efficient combinations were generally those composed of subtests that were quick to administer. (SLD)

Few issues have provoked as much controversy as the methods for detecting item and test bias. A recent illustration of the controversy surrounding this issue could be seen in the emotional reactions to the publication of "The Bell Curve." This paper reviews methods of evaluating both item and test bias. Small heuristic data sets are…

Issues related to the two-stage college entrance examinations used in Turkey are explored. Focus is on the first stage, the selection phase of the examination, rather than on the second stage, the placement phase. Further study is needed of the dimensionality of the test and sources of item bias. (SLD)

This paper presents six steps in test construction generally recommended by measurement textbook authors. The focus is primarily on paper-and-pencil achievement tests as used by class instructions, although the discussion touches on the construction of other types of assessment. The six steps are: (1) determine the test purpose; (2) determine the…

Investigated utility estimate variability for the selection utility of using the Programmer Aptitude Test to select computer programmers. Comparison of Monte Carlo results to other risk assessment approaches (sensitivity analysis, break-even analysis, algebraic derivation of the distribtion) suggests that distribution information provided by Monte…

This "toolbox" offers suggestions about how and when to create objective tests. Such tests are sometimes a quick way to find out how students are doing, and sometimes they help students focus on what they are doing in class or help teachers define the content that is worth knowing. The following suggestions are offered for developing objective…

Problems with current predictors of success for graduate students (Graduate Record Examinations and grades) include restriction of range artifacts, grade inflation, and the increasing diversity of examinees. A case is made as to why noncognitive variables can add to the validity of selecting graduate students. Legal, moral, ethical, and…

Because applicant populations for many jobs and educational opportunities are becoming increasingly multicultural, the whole issue of fairness in testing has become highly salient. In South Africa, a main reason for the poor performance of the economy is the failure to make optimal use of all manpower, one of the crippling legacies of the…

There are a number of issues to consider in choosing tests, including alignment of tests and standards, the integration of tests with curriculum and instruction, the quality of the tests, and a clear definition of the purpose of the test. To address the various needs reflected by these issues, PLATO Learning, Inc., offers two curriculum-wide…

Type I error rate and power for the t test, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test, van der Waerden Normal Scores, and Welch-Aspin-Satterthwaite (W) test are compared for two simulated independent random samples from nonnormal distributions. Conditions under which the t test and W test are best to use are discussed. (SLD)

The development and potential usefulness of a modified accomplishment record technique to assess aspects of teaching under the talent-development model were explored through questionnaires completed by 18 college faculty members. Results support the usefulness of accomplishment records for selection decisions within professional populations. (SLD)

The realities of inappropriate and sometimes unethical testing practices must be confronted to make sure that current assessments are as reliable and effective as possible. While this paper does not attempt to provide practical guidelines for ethical and appropriate testing, it does draw a picture of appropriate and ethical testing practices. All…