A simulation study of a sequential computerized mastery test is carried out with items modeled with the 3 parameter logistic item response theory model. The examinees' responses are either identically distributed, not identically distributed, or not identically distributed together with estimation errors in the item characteristics. The…

In 1955, R. Levine introduced two linear equating procedures for the common-item non-equivalent populations design. His procedures make the same assumptions about true scores; they differ in terms of the nature of the equating function used. In this paper, two parameterizations of a classical congeneric model are introduced to model the variables…

Wilcox (1977) examines two methods of estimating the probability of a false-positive on false-negative decision with a mastery test. Both procedures make assumptions about the form of the true score distribution which might not give good results in all situations. In this paper, upper and lower bounds on the two possible error types are described…

When multiple-choice tests are scored in the usual manner, giving each correct answer one point, information concerning response patterns is lost. A method for utilizing this information is suggested. An example is presented and compared with two conventional methods of scoring. (Author/JKS)

The reliability and item homogeneity of personality scales are in part dependent on the content domain being sampled, and this characteristic reliability cannot be explained by item ambiguity or scale length. It is suggested that clarity of self concept is also a determinant. (Author/JKS)

The internal consistency of the Goodenough-Harris Draw-A-Person Test was examined using 150 children, aged 5-8. The 72-item full scales showed good internal consistency at all ages, with no sex differences. Administration of a 42-item short form resulted in sex effects and differential internal consistency. (Author/GDC)

Constraints on criterion-referenced tests to make mastery/nonmastery classifications of motor skills can lead to excessively long tests. A sequential probability ratio test classified many subjects' golf shots quickly but required many trials for four subjects. The test's classification accuracy makes it a potentially useful device for physical…

Situations in which mailed questionnaires are most appropriate are identified. Population variables, characteristics of questionnaires, and social desirability variables are examined in depth. (Author)

As a continuing part of its validity studies, the Association of American Medical Colleges commissioned a study of the speediness of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). If speed is a hidden part of the test, it is a threat to its construct validity. As a general rule, the criterion used to indicate lack of speediness is that 80% of the…

This study investigated the practice of weighting a type of test item, such as constructed response, more than other types of items, such as selected response, to compute student scores for a mixed-item type of test. The study used data from statewide writing field tests in grades 3, 5, and 8 and considered two contexts, that in which a single…

A sampling methodology is proposed for determining lengths of tests designed to assess the comprehension of written discourse. It is based on Bormuth's transformational analysis, within a domain-referenced framework. Guidelines are provided for computing sample size and selecting sentences to which the transformational rules can be applied.…

Previous work on the effects of dimensionality on parameter estimation for dichotomous models is extended to the graded response model. Datasets are generated that differ in the number of latent factors as well as their interdimensional association, number of test items, and sample size. (SLD)

A method is presented for estimating the accuracy and consistency of classifications based on test scores. The reliability of the score is used to estimate effective test length in terms of discrete items. The true-score distribution is estimated by fitting a four-parameter beta model. (SLD)

Classically parallel, tau-equivalently parallel, and congenerically parallel models representing various degrees of part-test parallelism and their appropriateness for tests composed of multiple item formats are discussed. An appropriate reliability estimate for a test with multiple item formats is presented and illustrated. (SLD)

The Satz-Mogel Abbreviation of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale--Revised (WAIS-R) was compared with a 7-subtest short form of 130 healthy and 40 neurologically impaired older adults. Both short forms were found similar for normal or impaired adults in comparison with the full WAIS-R. (SLD)