In developing countries, for the most part, traditional methods of selecting students for secondary schools, technical and vocational institutions, teacher training colleges, and universities are unable to ensure that the most capable applicants receive the limited opportunities available. To remedy this situation, the author has assembled and…

Examines the use of clinical interviews as a complement to more typical achievement tests. The research focused on the learning outcomes resulting from second grade students' viewing of television program on magnets. Results indicated that clinical interviews provided evidence of effective instruction when achievement tests did not. (ML)

This paper illustrates how statistical decision theory can be used to model aspects of the effectiveness of a course placement system. The illustration is based on data from students who enrolled in a first-year mathematics course at a midwestern university. To model the placement of students, the author first elicited students' and instructors'…

Equating studies using item response theory (IRT) are reviewed. The most well-known papers, as well as a sampling of lesser-known studies, are included. Accompanying tables list the papers and classify them according to the test used, models used, test length and type, sample size and type, method of assessment, equating design, and kinds of…

This study investigates the effect of instructions, anxiety, and locus of control on scores obtained on a group-administered intelligence test. Results suggested that boys were more sensitive than girls to the differential demands of testing instructions. (Author)

Tests of achievement in economics have a variety of uses. Their principal role is to evaluate how successful students have been in learning economics on a particular course, either overall or in particular aspects of economics. They may also serve to provide evidence about the efficacy of specific teaching materials and/or strategies. Finally,…

Three studies assessed the psychometric characteristics of the Direct Standard Setting Method (DSSM). The Angoff technique was also used in each study. The DSSM requires judges to consider an examination 10 items at a time and determine the minimum items in that set a candidate should answer correctly to receive the credential. Nine judges set a…

This paper deals with six sets of concerns and suggestions that arise as attitudes toward urban teaching are assessed. The first set arises from the complexity of measuring attitudes. It is strongly recommended that critiques of attitude data be based on plausible rival hypotheses. The second set involves the identification of beliefs related to a…

A review of relevant research reveals the general characteristics of a test of oral communication performance, some specific characteristics of testing programs, and some directions that future performance testing should take. Characteristics of tests of oral communication performance are as follows: (1) students should be able to apply the skills…

The use of computer aided testing can supply a training program with timely feedback of high-quality data that will assist instructors in keeping abreast of trouble points in instruction and supply students with rapid reinforcement. This rapid reinforcement is essential in learner oaced instruction. (DS)

Naive nonorganic subjects of at least normal intelligence can not simulate brain damage of the type produced by an external blow to the head on the Bender Gestalt test. (Author/DEP)

Investigations show that the nature of conditions affecting motivation influences test performance more than variations in the manner of presentation or in the program strategy. These findings are considered more useful in the designing of teacher programs than reliance on a computer. (Text is in German.) (Author/AM)

The recent psycholinguistic-sociolinguistic trend in foreign language teaching indicates a shift of interest away from quantitative data towards qualitative information of different kinds. Validity and relevance are stressed and so new test formats are demanded, as well as new methods of dealing with student answers. Item analysis techniques used…

The development of the Computer Assisted Testing (CAT) System at the University of Delaware is described. The introduction presents the background leading up to interactive terminal testing in 1973. Documentation for the system includes CAT System programs, format of questions for constructing test item pools, format for entering class lists,…

In the development of assessment for elementary students, little attention has been paid to the information exchange between student and tester. Analysis of the learning exchange requires developmental, diagnostic, and process information. Cybernetic assessment, a departure from standard testing techniques, involves the examiner in the information…