ERIC Number: ED163069
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1978-Mar
Pages: 29
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Decisions and Dilemmas in Constructing Criterion-Referenced Tests: Some Questions and Issues. CSE Report No. 110.
Smith, Laura Spooner
Because criterion referenced measurement is a relatively new approach to testing, systematic guidelines for constructing criterion referenced tests (CRTs) have not yet been developed. A number of questions and issues face the test developer who wishes to provide a test that will be helpful in a particular decision-making situation. There are three basic steps in the generation of domain specifications guiding CRT construction. First, decide what the test should measure. The instructional independence of the test items refers to the items' dependence on or relationship to the instructional curriculum content. The amount of content measured by a domain may be conceptualized as formative or summative evaluation. Secondly, determine the dimensions of the class of behaviors (or performance) to be tested. Tasks and responses must be selected which indicate that the learner has demonstrated achievement or competence; this may be the most difficult aspect of test construction. The role of items which measure transfer of training must also be determined. Finally, develop a set of item generation guidelines. Items should be suitable for inclusion in an item bank. (GDC)
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Inst. of Education (DHEW), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: California Univ., Los Angeles. Center for the Study of Evaluation.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A