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…

Subkoviak suggested a technique for estimating both group reliability and the reliability associated with assigning a given individual to a mastery or non-mastery category based on a single test administration. Two assumptions underlie this model. First, it is assumed that had successive test administrations occurred, scores for each individual…

This paper provides a broad perspective on theories of emotional development and evaluates the implications of different theories for the practicing teacher. Not only psychoanalytic theories but also many theories of emotion contribute to the understanding of children. For example, behaviorist, experimental, ethological, humanist, developmental,…

In a situation where the population distribution of latent trait scores can be estimated, the ordinary maximum likelihood estimator of latent trait scores may be improved upon by taking the estimated population distribution into account. In this paper empirical Bayes estimators are compared with the liklihood estimator for three samples of 300…

The difficulties in comparing profile variability (a measure of test scatter) are briefly discussed and the limitations of current techniques pointed out. Test scatter is defined as individual variation in test scores between or within various psychological and educational tests. Currently, no statistical technique for the comparison of profile…

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…

Research related to the multiple choice test item is reported, as it is conducted by educational technologists in Japan. Sato's number of hypothetical equivalent alternatives is introduced. The based idea behind this index is that the expected uncertainty of the m events, or alternatives, be large and the number of hypothetical, equivalent…

A comparison was made between four different scoring procedures for the 45-item Reading Comprehension subtest, Level I, of the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills, Form S, for a sample of 1,000 third grade students. These students were selected to have been among those who omitted from 3 to 22 of the 45 items. Another representative sample of 1,300…

This report evaluates alternative approaches to and measures of equity in state school finance plans. It also evaluates the Federal Expenditure Disparity Measure (FEDM). Following an introduction, Part II describes alternative conceptions of equity in education and identifies three components of these conceptions: groups treated, alternative…

The effects of using different data analysis methods on estimates of treatment effects of educational programs were investigated. Various regression models, such as those recommended for Title I program evaluations, were studied. The first effect studied was the amount of bias that might be expected to occur in the various settings. Results…

The application of a linear learning model, which combines learning theory with a structural analysis of the exercises given to students, to an elementary mathematics curriculum is examined. Elementary arithmetic items taken by about 100 second-grade students on 26 weekly tests form the data base. Weekly predictions of group performance on…

Because latent trait models require that large numbers of items be calibrated or that testing of the same large group be repeated, item parameter estimates are often obtained by administering separate tests to different groups and "linking" the results to construct an adequate item pool. Four issues were studied, based upon the analysis…

Two aspects to be considered in designing a storage system for library materials are: the fraction of the collection which is to be stored; and the criteria to be used for selecting materials for storage. This study demonstrates that for a given selection criterion least-cost storage quantities can be assessed by balancing the large circulation…

This report summarizes the results of a fourteen-month study to (1) examine the feasibility of establishing a book processing center to serve the nine state-supported college and university libraries in Colorado and (2) conduct a simulation study of the proposed Center. The report covers: background, operational characteri tics of participating…

A research project is being conducted to construct a mathematical model of the operations of an academic library to be used in making managerial decisions. As part of this project, this report examines Bradford's Law of Scattering and the fall-off of use of documents as they age. A series of mathematical analyses indicate how these two laws can be…