Provides a form of argumentative dialectic to Liz Hamp-Lyons's forum commentary published in an earlier issue of this journal, "Ethical Test Preparation Practice: The Case of TOEFL." Hamp-Lyons responds to the comments.(Author/VWL)

Presents minimization and maximization models for parallel test construction under constraints. The minimization model constructs weakly and strongly parallel tests of minimum length, while the maximization model constructs weakly and strongly parallel tests with maximum test reliability. (Author/SLD)

Discusses problems of diagnosing and repairing infeasible linear-programming models in computerized test assembly. Demonstrates that it is possible to localize the causes of infeasibility, although this is not always easy. (SLD)

Proposes an algorithm for the assembly of multiple test forms in which the multiple-form problem is reduced to a series of computationally less intensive two-form problems. Illustrates how the method can be implemented using 0-1 linear programming and gives two examples. (SLD)

Traditional Item Selection Rules (TISRs) were compared to Intervention Item Selection Rules (IISRs) on the same set of alcohol attitude items from archival data, producing scales with differing psychometric properties. A cross-validation study was run. Guidelines for selecting change-sensitive items, problems and advantages of IISRs are…

Describes the principles that guided the creation and implementation of a system of embedded assessments, the Berkeley Evaluation and Assessment Research System (BEAR). The assessment system builds on methodological advances in alternative assessment. Discusses how the application of the principles generates the component parts of the system. (SLD)

Studied whether a change of test item sequencing, intended to increase test complexity, would cause increased involvement of general intelligence using a sample of Swedish military recruits who received heterogeneous (n=1,778) or homogeneous (n=363) tests. Items presented homogeneously showed higher general intelligence ("G") loadings.…

Discusses the use of "Lexile" units in test construction. (SLD)

Presents an integer programming approach to item bank design that can be used to calculate an optimal blueprint for an item bank in order to support an existing testing program. Demonstrates the approach empirically using an item bank designed for the Law School Admission Test. (SLD)

Generating a test from an item bank using a criterion based on classical test theory parameters poses considerable problems. A mathematical model is formulated that maximizes the reliability coefficient alpha, subject to logical constraints on the choice of items. Theorems ensuring appropriate application of the Lagragian relation techniques are…

Our memories are not necessarily "bad," but stored in different areas. By understanding the five memory lanes (semantic, episodic, procedural, automatic, and emotional), a high school English teacher discovered why her students could not do fractions (to calculate grades) in English class. Paper-and-pencil tests can be redesigned to assess memory…

Discusses the logic of the rule-space model (K. Tatsuoka, 1983) as it applies to test development and analysis. The rule-space model is a statistical method for classifying examinees' test item responses into a set of attribute-mastery patterns associated with different cognitive skills. Directs readers to a tutorial that may be downloaded. (SLD)

Describes the Texas test development process in detail, showing how each test development step is linked to the "Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing." The routine use of this process provides evidence of the content and curricular validity of the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills. (SLD)

Reviews six studies that examined properties of the Multidimensional Work Ethic Profile: (1) replication demonstrating the multidimensionality of the work ethic construct; (2) initial psychometric evaluation; (3) relationship among subscales and with measures of cognitive ability and personality; (4) generalizability between student and nonstudent…

Addresses ethical issues regarding Internet career assessment: reliability, validity, user readiness, administration, lack of practitioner awareness, equitable access, confidentiality, and privacy. Makes recommendations in the areas of research and development, training, standards, and stable funding of assessment development. (SK)