Problems posed by the measurement of vocational maturity are discussed. A combined rational-empirical methodology is proposed as a possible solution and a model of vocational maturity is formulated. (Author)

Estimates for the variances of empirically determined scoring weights are given. It is also shown that test item writers should write distractors that discriminate on the criterion variable when this type of scoring is used. (Author)

Research performed pursuant to a grant from the Charles F. Kettering Foundation.

A neglected element in designing tests is that of publicness, that is, the extent to which test specifications are understandable and usable by all interested parties. Issues related to content validity, such as test bias and instructional sensitivity, become accessible to these parties once content validity and design have been adequately…

This study examined the effectiveness of two different domain definition strategies in achieving homogeneity of criterion-referenced test items. The argument was tested regarding the extent to which item writers following the Instructional Objectives Exchange (IOX) domain definition strategy for a cognitive skill generate items that are more…

A framework, or classification scheme, is provided for displaying the spectrum of criterion-referenced tests. This framework illustrates that no single type of test can be identified as the absolute prototype criterion-referenced test. It is shown that over the past 115 years criterion-referenced testing has grown to be a many-faceted concept, its…

This guide is divided into four parts. Part I, an introduction, contains a discussion of why item banking has failed thus far to become a widely accepted procedure for test development, as well as some miscellaneous information on item banking that may be useful. In Part 2, completed questionnaires from 22 organizations with item banks give…

A three subtest test was developed to measure the basic concepts of biology and give an evaluation of a class's ability to use problem-solving approaches to biological studies, based on concepts used in a general biology (Regents) course in New York State public schools. Validity was determined by searching the literature for basic concepts of…

A project was carried out to determine the degree of content homogeneity that a test item pool must have in order to accomplish successful Rasch calibration. Mathematics item pools were administered to upper elementary children. The items were analyzed under two conditions, with items organized into separate subtests and as a global mathematics…

The major purpose of this study was to determine whether science process achievement tests could be developed which could be administered to groups of primary grade pupils. Tests developed were a series of 35mm color slides which illustrated laboratory situations involving basic science processes. The slides were synchronized with a tape recording…