In this article, we introduce a person-fit statistic called the hierarchy consistency index (HCI) to help detect misfitting item response vectors for tests developed and analyzed based on a cognitive model. The HCI ranges from -1.0 to 1.0, with values close to -1.0 indicating that students respond unexpectedly or differently from the responses…

Six current issues in the use of tests are examined in this paper. Are the tests used in education valid? In general and to a reasonably satisfactory extent they are. Is the emphasis these tests place on cognitive achievements a serious limitation? Because of the basic and pervasive role of cognition in human affairs, and in the absence of any…

Problems concerning the misuse of tests by teachers and administrators are discussed. Two common misconceptions of the basic function of tests are: (1) the test as an incentive for study; and (2) the test as a learning experience. Rather, a test should be conceived of as a measuring instrument. More appropriate conceptions of tests are: (1) tests…

This conference focused on the broad theme, improving the quality and scope of measurement. The first session centered on improving criteria for educational and psychological measurement, with papers on Criteria for Complex Mental Processes by Robert C. Wilson and on Criteria of Nonintellectual Aspects of Personality by Morris I. Stein. The second…

THIS STUDY WAS DESIGNED TO DETERMINE AND NOTE SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES IN THE COGNITIVE OBJECTIVES OF EXAMINATIONS USED IN NINTH GRADE COURSES IN A JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL. SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS FOR 1963-64 PREPARED BY INDIVIDUAL TEACHERS OR BY TEACHERS AS MEMBERS OF COMMITTEES WERE ANALYZED BY TEST ITEMS ACCORDING TO THE TAXONOMY OF EDUCATIONAL…