The effects of adjunct postquestions in an individualized training course were tested. Percent of adjunct questions identical to the lesson and final test questions was varied in four conditions: no questions, 0 percent, 50 percent, and 100 percent identical. The 100 percent group was superior on all measures. (Author/GK)

Advancements in educational testing, especially in the computerized construction of tests from item banks, are outlined and explained. It is suggested that these methods open the door to more individualized and more formative type of testing. (MSE)

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)

Two experiments using undergraduates confirmed the hypothesis that external statements in the Rotter Internal External Locus of Control Scale are more depressing in tone than internal statements. Thus, depressed subjects may respond to external items due to item mood level rather than locus of control. (Author/JKS)

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)

Owen's Bayesian tailored testing method is introduced along with a brief review of its derivation. The characteristics of a good item bank are outlined and explored in terms of their influence on the Bayesian tailoring process. (Author/RC)

Gender-related differential item functioning (DIF) was examined in a context in which 3,946 middle school students received mathematics instruction focusing on problem solving. Reasons why four tasks on the performance assessment favored female students and two favored male students are discussed. (SLD)

An ideal process is outlined for test item development and the study of item responses to ensure that tests are sound. Qualitative and quantitative methods are used to assess the item-level validity evidence for high-stakes examinations. A checklist for assessment is provided. (SLD)

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)

An item-response-theory approach was used to evaluate test and item functioning for the Hare Psychopathy Checklist--Revised (R. D. Hare, 1991) using data from 2,067 North American patients and prisoners. Analyses support the use of the test for diagnosis of psychopathic personality disorder and measures of trait strength. (SLD)

Focuses on the performance levels of the Test of English for Educational Purposes (TEEP) and English Language Testing Service (ELTS) tests. It is concluded that more attention should be paid to the process underlying test performance. (15 references) (GLR)

A method is proposed for the detection of item bias with respect to observed or unobserved subgroups, using a loglinear item response theory model assuming a Rasch model for ability and difficulty. A simulation study was performed with 200 sets of data to check the robustness of the method. (SLD)

The hypothesis that males will perform better on items containing masculine content and girls will score higher on feminine content items was tested with data from a training study intended to improve the ability of 11-year olds to design a controlled experiment. The findings provide weak support for the hypothesis. (Author/YP)

Explores various issues related to empirical validation of computer documentation. Topics discussed include developing validation test items; selecting test users; costs; benefits of testing for the writer; the role of the writer and editors; conducting the validation test; and writing revision specifications. (LRW)

Analysis of the keyed responses of items in three English-as-a-Second-Language reading comprehension tests focused on the form and source of information and on the frequency with which the information appeared in the text. Analysis of the results found that these facets were differentially related to the item score at different proficiency levels.…