Efficiency, precision, and concurrent validity of results from adaptive and fixed-item music listening tests were studied using: (1) 2,200 simulated examinees; (2) 204 live examinees; and (3) 172 live examinees. Results support the usefulness of adaptive tests for measuring skills that require aurally produced items. (SLD)

Combined multiple regression and classification and regression tree (CART) analyses to study the interrelationships of variables that affect the item difficulty of items on tests of second language reading and listening comprehension. Results for 214 computerized items completed by 87 nonnative English speakers show the value of synthesizing…

A study evaluated the use of a "none-of-these" option on multiple-choice achievement tests in undergraduate dental education. Results indicated this option neither enhanced nor diminished examinee performance stability but did reduce the examinee's opportunity to select correct choices by means unrelated to course objectives, thereby enhancing…

The relevance of verbal reports of thinking for validating multiple-choice critical thinking tests was examined. Results from 342 senior high school students in Newfoundland (Canada) indicate that verbal reports can meet a necessary condition of validation data and collecting data does not alter thinking and performance. (SLD)

Intellectual abilities were measured for 217 German and 205 American college students using tests (in the subjects' native languages) in which equivalence was established by an item-response theory-based differential-item-functioning (DIF) analysis. Comparisons between groups were not the same before and after removal of DIF items. (SLD)

The accuracy and relations between 38 undergraduates' knowledge of content and origin of course information were examined. Results indicate a relationship between correct answers on a multiple-choice test and knowledge concerning the origin of information pertinent to the answers. Findings are discussed in terms of a reality-monitoring model. (TJH)

Two alternatives to traditional item analysis and reliability estimation procedures are considered for determining the difficulty, discrimination, and reliability of optional items on essay and other tests. A computer program to compute these measures is described, and illustrations are given. (SLD)

Discusses problems with the current trend in using behavior trait-based criteria to assess English-as-a-Second-Language productivity skills, and describes alternatives to such testing that involve the matching of linguistic tasks against nonlinguistic criteria. (Author/CB)

Examined are the global issues of population growth, world hunger, air quality and atmosphere, and water resources in 10 middle school science textbooks. Less than two percent of text pages were devoted to these issues and no significant differences were found between textbook series. (Author/YP)

The grading of high school physics students as a function of conceptual versus nonconceptual performance is investigated. The nonconceptual means a routine substitution in equations or direct recall. Students scoring highest on one type of question are far from distinguished on another type of question. (YP)

Seventh-grade students were tested to uncover arithmetic errors. Answers and intermediate steps were analyzed and models to represent students' behavior were developed. Certain errors were common across students. Others were tied to the format of the test item. Some superficial understandings of mathematical concepts were exposed. (Author/DC)

Some software packages currently available for item writing and item banking are reviewed. Eleven test-generation and three item-banking packages are listed. Users trained in item response theory can find a great deal of power in a desk-top system. (SLD)

A course where students were required to choose projects and provide studies of the feasibility, consumer need, and process design is discussed. Other projects such as advertising campaigns used to encourage student creativity are discussed. The need to keep second semester seniors interested is stressed. (MVL)

Describes an objective test used as the comprehensive examination in a graduate library school and discusses its advantages over essay tests. The topics covered include test construction, the use of item analysis for scoring and test revision, and student reactions to the objective test. (1 reference) (CLB)

Effects of instructional coverage variations on item characteristic functions were examined, using eighth-grade data from the Second International Mathematics Study (1985). Although some differences in item response curves were large, better performance was not necessarily related to greater learning opportunity. Item curve response differences…