A series of studies on conceptual and design problems in competency-based measurements are explained. The concept of validity within the context of criterion-referenced measurement is reviewed. The authors believe validation should be viewed as a process rather than an end product. It is the process of marshalling evidence to support…

A continuing project titled "Measuring Career Readiness in Elementary Education" had as its fourth-year goal constructing learning activities to coordinate with six subtest areas of the Career Education Readiness Test (CERT). The secondary goal was to continue the refinement of the CERT through the analysis of data gathered during the…

Three levels of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills were studied to disclose the possible existence of sex bias in mathematics test items. Two mathematics tests (mathematical concepts and mathematics problem solving) and two comparison verbal tests (vocabulary and reading) were selected for analysis at three levels--grades 3, 6, and 8. Samples of 480…

Two different formats for multiple-choice test items were compared in an experimental test given in a college class in introductory psychology. In one format, a question or incomplete statement was followed by four answers or completions, only one of which was correct. In the other format, the double multiple-choice version, the same questions…

This handbook was designed to assist counselors, teachers, and administrators in using the Career Skills Assessment Program (CSAT) materials and services properly. Part 1 of the handbook, Guide to Use of the CSAP, is primarily concerned with understanding, interpreting, and applying the results of the program. Specific topics discussed in this…

A method is proposed for providing an absolute, in contrast to comparative, evaluation of how well two tests are equated by transforming their raw scores into a particular common scale. The method is direct, not requiring creation of a standard for comparison; expresses its results in scaled rather than raw scores, and allows examination of the…

A home assessment measure was developed as an economical alternative to parent interviews. The 48 items measured five factors: parent expectations and aspirations; family activeness; independence; language development; and support of school and education. Correlations with standardized reading and mathematics achievement tests were based on…

Many combinations of a method and an approach for estimating the operating characteristics of the graded item responses, without assuming any mathematical forms, have been produced. In these methods, a set of items whose characteristics are known, or Old Test, is used, which has a large, constant amount of test information throughout the interval…

Before teacher evaluation forms can have any significance for educational research their validity and reliability must be established. This study concerns itself with defining the suitability of the criteria-establishing items that may be contained on teacher evaluations. The areas of inquiry are: the rater (evaluator) difficulty level of each…

Although vocabulary tests have not been well suited to subdivisions that yield scores for different attributes, they have often been used in this manner. The question of whether such subscores can be justified from a measurement standpoint was studied. Items of a vocabulary test were classifed into three categories; the words were presented in…

The purpose of this study was to develop an interest inventory covering construction industry practices. A taxonomy developed by the Industrial Arts Curriculum Project served as a basis for item selection, and covered industrial management, production, and personnel technology. A scale for each of these was included in an inventory containing 138…

A previous study was successful in designing an instrument to measure motivation which can be used with preschool children. The purpose of the present research was (1) to develop further the new instrument by giving it an initial trial on a substantial number of subjects, (2) to select and revise the test items on the basis of item analysis, and…

Canadian students on the verge of completing their secondary education were tested to determine their proficiency in solving consumer-related mathematics problems that might be frequently encountered in their post-secondary everyday life. Their proficiency was rated as very good in basic computation and use of tables; satisfactory in comparison…

The application of latent trait theory to classroom tests necessitates the use of small sample sizes for parameter estimation. Computer generated data were used to assess the accuracy of estimation of the slope and location parameters in the two parameter logistic model with fixed abilities and varying small sample sizes. The maximum likelihood…