Argues that, in determining if a standardized test task and a classroom performance task are the same, educators should carefully analyze the tasks in terms of the input modality (stimulus) and the output modality (response). (FL)

Describes the results of a two-year study to evaluate an assessment center. Results indicate that it is a valuable, valid, job-related instrument for the selection of school administrators. (Author/JM)

Test data from two diverse culture groups were analyzed to determine the agreement among four methods of detecting item bias (transformed difficulty, discrimination differences, chi-square, and item characteristic curve). The test battery contained 155 items from six subtests: vocabulary, reading comprehension, mathematics, letter groups,…

Outlines a six-step process which can be used by faculty teams to assess the validity of criterion-referenced tests. Steps include: comparing test items with course objectives, assessing the test in terms of the domains and levels of Bloom's Taxonomy, and examining the appropriateness of various types of test questions. (JP)

Advantages and disadvantages of a test item analysis method for producing item banks are discussed with respect to different teaching methods, curriculum, and the examination system. (MP)

Classical item analysis and Rasch latent trait analysis were applied to the responses of a sample of undergraduates to two measures concerning alcoholism. Little difference in terms of practical considerations was found between the methods. (JKS)

Development of the Stereotyped Behavior Scale for adolescents and adults with mental retardation is described. Use with 600 individuals resulted in refinement and a 26-item scale with an internal consistency alpha of 0.88, test-retest reliability of p=0.90, and interrater reliability of p=0.76. (DB)

Discusses the relevance for the valid testing of reading of the difference between a 'unitary skill' approach to reading and a multiskills approach. The article produces evidence suggesting that a distinction may be drawn between language-based skills and 'global' reading skills. (55 references) (Author/CK)

Nineteen multiple-choice nursing tests containing 673 items were analyzed for test wiseness, irrelevant difficulty in stem or option, linguistic/structural bias, or cultural bias. Twenty-eight types of flaws occurred at least 10 times each. (Contains 28 references.) (SK)

Examination of the construct validity of Guglielmino's Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale points toward dislike of learning as the cause of low scores. High scores seem to result from positive attitudes toward learning in general and not specifically self-directed learning. Further studies are needed to distinguish between readiness for…

Describes study that investigated the effects of computerized test administration on undergraduates' responses to the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), and discusses methodological considerations important in evaluating the sensitivity of personality inventories in different administration formats. Results analyze the effects of…

Comparison of college freshman performance on two different forms of the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (n=684, 692) found a lack of equivalence between forms and low internal consistency reliability. It is suggested that, although the test may be useful for research, it is not appropriate for decision making about individual students.…

Reexamines a 49-year-old study of P technique applied to a psychotherapy patient with a recurrent physical symptom. Explores dimensions of psychotherapeutic change as well as the context for the recurrent symptom. Illustrates the contributions from applying the P technique to psychotherapy research, to psychosomatic medicine, and to personality…

Combining Rasch and latent class models is presented as a way to overcome deficiencies and retain the positive features of both. An estimation algorithm is outlined, providing conditional maximum likelihood estimates of item parameters for each class. The model is illustrated with simulated data and real data (n=869 adults). (SLD)

Discusses the importance of assessment in the enhancement of learning. Explains different types of assessment such as performance assessment, portfolio assessment, time-series assessment, and the predict-and-explain assessment and discusses how to analyze assessment. (YDS)