Prior research regarding practice effects on ability tests has focused primarily on the differences in average score gains across different types of preparation (e.g., test retaking vs. focused item practice vs. coaching). In contrast, there has been little concerted effort towards understanding the significant variance in score gains across…

An intervention program employing test-skills instruction and cooperative learning methods was presented to second year minority medical students at a major state supported medical school. The purpose was to enhance minority students' passing rate for Part I of the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) examination. After completion of the…

Several available summaries of research on coaching for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) are described, and their principal findings are discussed. Several additional studies are reviewed, and their findings are related to the summaries. Overall, the effects of coaching may be less than many students suppose. (SLD)

In recent years, a controversy has arisen about the advisability of allowing examinees to review their test items and possibly change answers. Arguments for and against allowing item review are discussed, and issues that a test designer should consider when designing a Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT) are identified. Most CATs do not allow…

The fourth year of the Test Preparation Program for Gifted and Talented Sophomores (TPPGTS) is evaluated. This 6-week, 75-hour test coaching program was developed to teach high-achieving students principles/strategies required for doing well on the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT)/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test to increase…