Describes the "Golden Rule" test construction technique and its legal history. Focuses on the legal/measurement issues and considers alternative procedures for constructing racially "unbiased" tests. Concludes with an analysis of the probable reaction of the present Supreme Court to a constitutional/statutory challenge of the…

Item response theory's (IRT) suitability for medical examination data was examined, using data on 2,000 candidates who took the 1980 and 1982 American Board of Internal Medicine Certifying Examinations. Focus was on determining whether the tests met IRT assumptions and applying one-parameter and three-parameter IRT models to the data. (TJH)

Grades in college freshman English composition courses were predicted from high school rank in class, multiple-choice writing scores, essays, current Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) Verbal scores, and scores from a revised version of the SAT-Verbal. Data were obtained from 21 English courses at 17 different colleges with some supplementary data…

An alternative to multiple-choice (MC) testing is suggested as it pertains to the field of radiologic technology education. General principles for writing MC questions are given and contrasted with a new type of MC question, the alternate-choice (AC) question, in which the answer choices are embedded in the question in a short form that resembles…

Preliminary psychometric data assessing the reliability and validity of a method used to measure the diagnostic reasoning and problem-solving skills of predoctoral students in orthodontia are described. The measurement approach consisted of sets of patient demographic data and dental photos and x-rays, accompanied by a set of 33 multiple-choice…

The construct validity of biographical items in the Individual Achievement Record (IAR) was assessed in an attempt to develop a confirmatory factor model. This first phase of a two-phase study focused on the IAR's use as a predictor of job performance. The IAR is an empirically keyed biodata inventory containing 112 multiple-choice items. Item…

This paper addresses the lack of language dominance assessment instruments and curriculum materials for Greek-speaking children in the U.S. These children need appropriate language screening tests, based on research and data derived from their native language group, for diagnostic and placement purposes. The development of an instrument for…

This evaluative and developmental study was undertaken between 1972-74 to determine the effectiveness of items used for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) in relationship to other item types used in assessing English proficiency, and to recommend possible changes in TOEFL content and format. TOEFL was developed to assess the English…

Instruments to measure decision-making skills of grade 5, 8, and 11 students were developed as a part of Pennsylvania's statewide assessment program. A decision-making model was formulated based upon John Dewey's five major steps of the critical thinking process: (1) identify the problem; (2) establish the facts; (3) formulate the hypothesis; (4)…

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)

No population exists where it is more important to produce information literate individuals than teacher candidates, yet few would suggest that practitioners newly entering the field are adequately prepared to model and teach information literacy to their students. Consequently, information literacy has recently been established as a key outcome…

Over 2,000 writing samples were collected from four undergraduate institutions and compared, where possible, with scores on a multiple-choice test. High correlations between ratings of the writing samples and multiple-choice test scores were obtained. Samples contributed substantially to the prediction of both college grades and writing…

A study of 26 college seniors used introspective and retrospective interviewing to assess cognitive processes used during multiple-choice reading comprehension tests. Categories of processing identified included an overall approach to the test task, reading strategies, and test-taking strategies. (TJH)

Describes recent efforts of the Center for Research in Evaluation, Standards and Student Testing (CRESST) to evaluate authentic assessment methods, such as portfolios and performance tests. When comparing the merits of authentic versus multiple-choice testing, it is wise to consider validity, reliability, consequences, fairness, generalization,…

Presents a study of the effect of question order on student performance on economics tests. Reports that question order has no statistically significant effect on examination scores, even after including variables that reflect differential human capital characteristics. Concludes that instructors need not worry that some examination versions give…