A procedure for using Guilford's structure of the intellect as the theoretical basis for a task analysis model is presented. It is reasoned that such a model would furnish a bridge between task analysis and test selection, and also a bridge between test selection and test validation. Such a mechanism might answer some fo the EEOC criticisms of…

To compare the means, reliability coefficients, and concurrent validity coefficients for four tests, two with and two without optional items; and to determine if pupils could select items that would improve their scores, 210 seventh grade pupils were first administered the seventh grade spelling subtest of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. They were…

As part of a continuing research program to improve screening of enlisted men, this study was undertaken to compare a variety of computer-simulated conventional and branching tests and to extend the theoretical analysis of branching techniques. The degree of coordination between test scores and underlying ability is used to compare conventional…

Suggestions for change include development of new kinds of tests, higher standards for both tests and test users, and collaboration by test authors, publishers, and counselors within AMEG in an effort to prevent a complete dissolution of the marriage between tests and the counseling process. (Author)

Causal attributions for a manipulated success-failure event were collected from college students on five different measuring instruments. Results indicated that the structured measures showed greater interest correlation validity than did the open-ended measure. (CM)

Examines the controversy surrounding the administration of the Metropolitan Achievement Test on reading and the subsequent recall of the results data by the chancellor of the New York City schools. (IRT)

Testing is a means of obtaining information about people and their status. Too often tests and testing govern us as educators rather than being governed by us. Reviews the problem and offers some suggestions. (Editor)

This article describes the Scale for the Evaluation of Gifted Identification Instruments, developed for use by school decision makers. Development of the scale is reviewed in terms of five areas of assessment: validity, reliability, propriety, respondent appropriateness, and utility. Specific guidelines and cautions in using the scale are also…

Twenty-one language tests that included norms for children ages 4 and 5 were reviewed for information on 10 psychometric criteria. Administration of the 4 tests meeting the most criteria to 20 preschool children with specific language impairments and 20 controls found that only 1 (the Structured Photographic Expressive Language Test) provided…

With increasing emphasis upon accountability, assessment in general, and communication competency in particular, is placing more demands upon human and financial resources. Therefore, those making the decisions about what and how to assess various factors must make informed, ethical, and responsible decisions. To that end, this paper provides a…

TESTING MATERIALS IN BOTH SPANISH AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDITIONS WERE REVISED AND NEW MATERIALS CREATED IN THIS PROJECT. THE NEW SERIES OF TESTS INCLUDED ADMINISTRATION, AND ITEM ANALYSIS OF THE COOPERATIVE INTER-AMERICAN TESTS. DATA FOR THE ENGLISH EDITIONS WERE GATHERED FROM SUBJECTS DRAWN FROM AMERICAN SCHOOLS, AND DATA FOR THE SPANISH EDITIONS…

A computer program generating question series for achievement examinations was presented and the relative reliability of computer-generated and instructor-selected items was investigated. To provide validity for examinations generated by an original computer program, representative processes of construction and sampling were operationally defined.…

Describes a school board's decision to employ a standardized reading proficiency test despite the fact that the test was proven to be passage independent and thus did not measure reading comprehension. (DD)

In response to Ebel's article (TM 508 146) the author points out that, in emphasizing what a test is intended to measure, the vital question of what should be measured is set aside. While explicit specifications for a test should be encouraged, questions of worth ought to be prominent in designing and selecting tests. (Author/LC)